"This research and development effort, called Combined Arms Operations at Brigade Level, Realistically Achieved Through Simulation III (COBRAS III), designed simulation -based, structured training for the staffs of the conventionally-equipped brigade combat team (BCT). The effort included designing a progressive approach to presenting and utilizing training objectives. The resulting product was a set of "performance objectives" that provides techniques and procedures for command and staff performance. The performance objectives resulted from and support the purpose of the training, which is to facilitate BCT preparation for combat training center rotations and deployment. The performance objective concept was an extension of the task analysis work conducted during the two proceedings projects. -- COBRAS I and COBRAS II."--DTIC.

This research and development effort, called Combined Arms Operationsat Brigade Level, Realistically Achieved Through Simulation III (COBRAS III), designed simulation-based, structured training for the staffs of the conventionally/ equipped brigade combat team (Ba). The effort included designinga progressive approach to presenting and utilizing training objectives. The resulting product was a set of "performance objectives" that provides techniquesand procedures for command and staff performance. The performance objectives resulted from and support the purpose of the training, which is to facilitate BCT preparation for combat training center rotations and deployment. The performance objective concept was an extension of the task analysis work conducted during the two preceding projects - COBRAS I and COBRAS II.

"This report presents the development of the U.S. Army's Force 21 Training Program's Combined Arms Operations at the Brigade Level, Realistically Achieved Through Simulation 2 (COBRAS 2) training program. The COBRAS 2 program extends prior training research, providing expanded structured, simulation based training for conventionally equipped brigade staffs. A Brigade Staff Exercise (BSE) for the brigade commander and staff represents one program component. This BSE succeeds the original (COBRAS 1) BSE by incorporating a wider audience. The second component is a set of brigade staff vignettes. It augments the COBRAS 1 vignette library by including training for brigade staff members and staff processes not covered in COBRAS 1 vignettes. This report describes the COBRAS 2 program background, design and development efforts, and the resulting exercises and training support packages. The report discusses lessons learned regarding future program development, and concludes with an introduction to the COBRAS 2 follow on effort that employs COBRAS 2 project and related research findings in the development and testing of logical next steps in Force 21 Training Program efforts." -- Stinet.

"This report details the design and development process for the Synthetic Theater of War (STOW) exercise produced in the COBRAS III project. The exercise was to serve as the vehicle for three primary research areas: training support package and resource requirements, technology and infrastructure requirements, and potential for training value. The multiechelon training audience of the Brigade Combat Team included the brigade commander and staff, the commander and staff of one battalion task force (TF), and the line company commanders, first sergeants, fire support team leaders, and scout platoon of that TF. The STOW environment linked constructive simulation (the Brigade/Battalion Battle Simulation BBS and Modular Semi-Automated Forces ModSAF) and virtual simulation (Simulation Networking SIMNET) and reconfigurable simulators). The trial implementation in February - March 1998 involved members of TF 1-101, 3rd Brigade, and 42nd Infantry Division of the New York National Guard, along with supporting participants from the Force XXI Training Program, contracted logistics support (CLS) staffs, and the COBRAS Team. Training support was found to be manageable but resource-intensive. Technology and infrastructure findings were mixed: the systems promise exciting training opportunities, but there were many suggestions for improvement from participants. From the unit members' point of view, the exercise provided valuable training, and there was strong support for continued STOW and reconfigurable simulator development and use."--Stinet.

"This report provides a foundation for future research and development on battle staff training by providing examples of structured training programs for the battle staff. Critical deficiencies in battle staff training were highlighted for both individual and collective skills. Reviews were performed for: (1) military articles on how to improve battle staff performance, centering on use of simulations in a structured training program, and (2) research and development programs to improve battle staff training. Also, possible future directions for battle staff training were discussed."--Stinet.