Soldier Narrative Analysis as Part of a Rapid Fielding Program

Abstract

The Warfighter Technology Tradespace Methodology (WTTM) employs technology acceptance and decision analysis theories, applying them to systems for developers to garner accurate understanding of end user expectations and concerns. WTTM applies a tradespace construct that is reliant upon three primary components as input – technical performance, logistic supportability, and human factors. The intent of this tradespace approach is two-fold: (1) to understand and assess the current state of systems as solutions to combat outpost challenges; and (2) to provide information to system developers participating in the activity as to how to tailor implemented design elements to better align with warfighter expectations, thereby maximizing the likelihood of technology acceptance upon fielding. To inform that process via a feedback mechanism, we gathered and analyzed narratives from soldier end users. We collected and tagged soldier sense-making items regarding newly fielded equipment, creating metadata for quantitative research and analysis. Here, we present the collection process as well as the results of sense-making analyses of narratives obtained from soldiers who worked with several pieces of newly fielded equipment. The intent is to highlight user dispositions as well as those factors influencing acceptance or rejection of the newly fielded equipment.

Keywords: Narratives, Equipment Fielding Process

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100183