During capability development, Human Dimension (cognitive, physical, and social components) considerations are often included after the fact or sometimes not at all. This can result in severe system compromises or perhaps even failures. In this meeting we will focus on how we can identify, investigate, and share current and emerging Human Dimension developments, with the goal of more clearly relating to our partners the importance of inserting Human Dimension considerations earlier in the capabilities development process.

Background and Details:

The Army’s Research Development and Engineering Command has developed a framework to understand, communicate and task organize to solve problems to prioritize Science and Technology (S&T) capability needs to achieve a balanced Soldier S&T portfolio. While this framework may currently be specific to the Army, the principles and processes involved can be applied to all warfighters, homeland defenders, space explorers, air traffic personnel, or any other groups of Humans facing complex cognitive, physical and/or social challenges.

This framework crosses a series of Technology Focus Areas (such as Lethality, Sensors and Networks) across various Integration Domains (such as C4ISR, Air, and Ground). Of specific interest to us is the Technology Focus area known as Human Dimension and Training, which is now being regarded by the Army S&T leadership as a technology area as important as traditional areas such as Lethality, Sensors, and Networks.

In this framework the Human Dimension is defined as comprising the cognitive, physical and social components of soldier, leader, organizational development and performance essential to raise, prepare and employ the Army in full spectrum operations.

Using this framework many capability needs have been identified. Among those considered the most pressing are:

• Develop Cognitive, Physical, Social Assessments Capabilities;

• Improve the Acquisition/Selection of personnel;

• Enhance Soldier readiness;

• Rapid Adjustment/Delivery of Training;

•  Develop Soldiers, Leaders and Organizations;

• Agile Management and Policy

The common theme across these capability needs is that inserting Human Dimension considerations at the beginning of the process maximizes system effectiveness. As a result, this meeting will focus on work being conducted in this domain with focus on work that falls under the capability areas listed above. In addition we will discuss: current and future system design; S&T research planning; development; test/evaluation; fielding; and other capability need areas as needed.

The end result of this meeting shall be a shared structure within which to influence capability needs developers to insert human dimension considerations as early as possible, leading to faster and more efficient development of highly effective systems. Attendees will come away with a deeper understanding of the human dimension framework, work currently being conducted and work awaiting attention within the human dimension domain.