Crew Endurance Training Program for the US Navy

Abstract

The Crew Endurance Training program was designed to provide fleet-wide support to the US Navy on the successful implementation of circadian-based watchbills, and guidance on sleep management and crew endurance best practices. The first phase of the study included the evaluation of existing educational programs and the analysis of training needs. Combining information from studies conducted by the Naval Postgraduate School Crew Endurance team on USN ships, the expertise of the Sleep Matters Initiative (SMI), and feedback from active-duty service members (ADSMs), we developed the first version of training materials in 2019. The second phase of the project included the delivery of the training program, its assessment, and the analysis and refinement of the training. This iterative procedure was repeated throughout the second phase of the project. The training was provided to more than 1,160 ADSMs, both USN Sailors and Marines. Overall, the responses from all audiences were positive with a high level of satisfaction with the training provided in terms of understanding the importance of sleep, sleep hygiene practices, the effect of sleep on operational performance and endurance, how best to implement circadian-based watchbills, and with the instructors, course content, and training duration. In general, trainees asked for more in-depth information, but operational commitments limited the time available to answer all questions. Also, we updated the Crew Endurance website to support sharing of lessons learned and best practices for the individual and the command. The website includes references, tools, and training materials for use by the warfighter and shipboard leaders, as well as templates for shipboard watchbills and instructions to support circadian-based watchbills. Based on the findings from this study and the expressed need for training on crew endurance and guidance regarding the efficient application of circadian-based watchbills, we recommend the continuation of the Crew Endurance Training project.