ACC Performance and Training-Related ATD "WRAPs" Up Published July 20, 2009 By Dr. Winston Bennett Human Effectiveness Directorate WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- AFRL completed a Category I advanced technology demonstration (ATD) for Air Combat Command's (ACC) Warfighter Readiness Assessment and Performance Measurement and Tracking System (WRAPMTS). This research program developed and demonstrated an integrated capability for performance measurement and training assessment in both live and virtual training environments in order to improve operational effectiveness. Historically, real-time data tracking and mission performance reporting has been an unattainable, albeit desired, capability--one explicitly called for in a number of Air Force planning documents. WRAPMTS provides a unique set of validated tools and methods permitting individual and team performance and readiness to be systematically assessed, tracked, and linked to unit combat readiness. Psychometrically sound technologies for developing, assessing, and tracking training effectiveness at individual and collective levels permit the military to efficiently demonstrate operational proficiency and readiness. The last decade's rising costs, expanded mission requirements, and reduced force size have significantly elevated the importance of gauging training in terms of its ultimate operational usefulness. Meeting the minimum 30% in measurable improvements sought as the goal for such a comprehensive capability, WRAPMTS has successfully demonstrated its capacity to report prioritized (individual and team) performance data retrieved from tactical systems; instrumented range systems; and a host of other sources, including high-fidelity distributed simulation environments, operational aircraft data systems, and cartridges. Further, WRAPMTS has demonstrated the first-ever application of measurement standards towards retrieving and reporting live composite mission-performance measures. As part of this ATD, AFRL developed tools both for conducting real-time debrief and after-action review of tracked data and for reporting on both Distributed Mission Operations and live operations. The debrief/reporting content generated via these tools has garnered a 90% user acceptance rate. The WRAPMTS arsenal also contains a tool for warehousing extracted performance data so that proficiency gains and losses are accessible for subsequent longitudinal trending. The products emerging from this effort are applicable to (live) operations-based and (virtual) simulation-based training constructs. AFRL is currently working with ACC and industry-based Mission Training Center service providers to transition WRAPMTS tools and associated metrics to the operational community. This eventual technology transition will support the Air Force Chief of Staff-endorsed migration to Proficiency-Based Ready Aircrew Program training, rehearsal, and exercise initiatives.