APTIMA INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: American foreign policy objectives face counter-insurgency and unconventional warfare, pre

Description

American foreign policy objectives face counter-insurgency and unconventional warfare, presenting foals of securing loyalty of citizens rather than destroying enemy war making capability. Non-kinetic operations characteristic of this warfare require proficiency in interacting with members of local populations. Current training alternatives cannot train sufficient numbers of warfighters, teach only one-on-one interactions, or emphasize kinetic alternatives. To address these shortcomings, the team will build ACUTE (Adaptive CUltural Training Engine). The ACUTE virtual environment training system will employ sound pedagogical principles, a rigorous analysis of warfighter training needs and critical cross-cultural factors, and proven training technology. ACUTE will enable warfighters to practice language and cultural skills and experience how appropriate and inappropriate interactions affect local opinions and perceptions and how interactions with a single actor influence the attitudes and actions of others. In addition, it will leverage both proven (system based) and innovative (neuro-physiological measures) to provide feedback to trainees and to assist in the adaptation of the scenario to maintain an optimal degree of challenge. Specific learning goals for Phase I will focus on communications, helping warfighters to send indicators of competence and mutual respect, and obtaining cooperation despite cultural differences.