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Published: 1986

Total Pages: 59

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This research investigated user interface requirements for operating the Battlefield Management System (BMS) and the system's potential for reducing the small unit leader's workload. BMS, the primary product improvement planned for the M1A1 Block II modification, is an integrated complex of battlefield information acquisition, processing, and communication technologies. While BMS is expected to significantly enhance command and control, it may require a substantial change in standard operating procedures, such as a shift from vocal (FM radio) to nonvocal communication, and from paper maps to digital maps displays. To ensure that user requirements were included in the design of this innovative system, a prototype interface was developed on an Integrated Raster Imaging System (IRIS) 1400 computer system. A cross section of small unit leaders worked with a digitized terrain data base (Fulda Gap) and menu- structured report functions to construct and edit the map displays and tactical reports needed for their respective duty positions. User requirements for display features and control functions were obtained, together with their recommendations for overall configuration, size, and operating characteristics of the BMS interface. Keywords: Command and Control Systems; Human Factors Engineering; Data displays.