ANALYSIS OF SOLDIER BORNE SENSOR (SBS) EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM

New technology improves combat power. The military continually adopts new technology; however, the holistic support and maintenance of that technology may be a lesser consideration. In this case, Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier provided the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS), which is a hand-launched, remotely controlled drone that offers improved situational awareness to the Soldiers closest to the fight. This study provides insight into how Soldiers were trained to use the system, and how they used it in novel ways. Specifically, this study examined the differences in use between home-station training and operational deployment. Using both surveys and semi-structured interviews, the research team found that the new equipment training (NET) was effective, yet opportunities for improvement exist. Further, and as one might expect, the creativity of the American Soldier in employing new equipment cannot be underestimated. This study documents a few instances of that creativity and suggests that future training should be updated with lessons learned down-range.
Major, United States Army
Major, United States Army
Major, United States Army
Major, United States Army
Captain, United States Army
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