• Provide a mechanism for the exchange of technical information for application of Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) methods and technologies as they apply to sustained/continuous operations. To provide input to DoD decision makers and doctrine developers on sustained/continuous operations issues.

• Enhance mid-management and working level coordination among Government agencies involved in RDT&E of sustained/continuous operations to make possible the application of the best methodologies and technologies for study of the topic.

• Identify human factors technology gaps and requirements for advancement in the state-of-knowledge relevant to sustained/continuous operations.

• Encourage and sponsor in-depth technical interaction on the topical areas of: human performance during sustained/continuous work, various work/rest schedules, circadian rhythms, sleep/rest management in military operations.

• Assist as required in the preparation and coordination of tri-Service documents such as Technology Coordinating Papers and Topical Reviews on Sustained/Continuous Operations.

The scope of activities of this group shall include the exchange of information, the working level coordination and the identification of requirements for all technical areas which are applicable to improving equipment operator performance and manpower utilization during sustained/continuous military operations.

By sustained/continuous operations is meant any work schedule that demands steady work productivity during a course of time that goes beyond a "normal" duty cycle and usually involves the onset of fatigue and/or some sleep deprivation.

The SubTAG will address a variety of human factors variables that affect performance in sustained/continuous operations, particularly in the operation of equipment and military systems. The general topics of concern to the SubTAG include, but are not limited to:

• Work/rest schedules - periods of time: work to rest ratios.

• Circadian rhythmicity - biological rhythms as they vary with respect to time.

• Alertness and sleep deprivation - adequate amounts of sleep essential for alertness.

• Sleep discipline - strategies used to insure proper rest, e.g. taking naps.

• Fatigue: a) physiological decreases in performance over time, and b) psychological state: feelings of tiredness, change in motivation, mood, affect, activation, decrease in cognitivemental activities.

• Pharmacological intervention - use of drugs to enhance or sustain performance.

• Rapid deployment demands - extended operations, translocation disruptions, e.g. jet lag.

• Sustained performance with unique equipment systems (e.g. electro-optical sighting devices, chemical protective clothing, high performance aircraft).

• Sustained performance in unique environments (e.g. heat, cold, altitude, space).

Charter (.doc)

• TAG 63, May 2010 - Briefs/Minutes
• TAG 50, Nov 2003 - Briefs

• Core Competencies