Page 49 - JSOM Winter 2021

formally, which included a lack of manualized guidelines for use in the human performance context in 2017. Two subject
configuration of content and processes, as well as measure- matter experts (SMEs) in upper-level enlisted ranks (13+ years
ment systems in addressing occupational specialty groups. 1 of EOD experience) collaborated with the PI to refine educa-
tional elements (Catalytics and Adaptives, Phase I–III), and
Human Performance Simulations (Phase III). Modifications to the content and pro-
This project was undertaken in response to the recommenda- cess elements in the protocol were generated via informal and
tions of the RAND study (discussed in Part 1) to address these formal feedback as well as measurements of trainee satisfac-
1
challenges and opportunities. SIT-NORCAL (HP) is a flex- tion at three separate time points during planned unit trainings
ible, manualized intensive Core Training protocol targeting (2017–2019). Trainees generated information and recommen-
psychological performance optimization that can be delivered dations for protocol content improvement in the Core Training
on the unit level in modules or phases. The protocol retains modules, improving cultural/occupational relevance (Phase I,
a traditional tri-phasic design targeting Neuropsychological and II) and leveraging existing unit resources to enhance op-
Optimization and Repair of Cognitive flexibility and agility, portunities and procedures for occupationally relevant practice
and Affect regulation (emotional control/physiological control via Adaptive Exposure Simulation (AES) in Phase III.
skills), utilizing enhanced Learning science methods to increase
efficiency in acquisition and recall of task and goal-relevant Core training modules were designed to target rapid acquisition
skill sets. of fundamental psychological performance knowledge, skills,
and abilities (KSAs) relevant among high-risk/high-intensity
Purpose occupational groups. To preserve fidelity and allow for greater
Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists within the US reproducibility, the content of four primary training elements
Air Force are Special Warfare enablers, whose primary occu- were defined (Education, Catalytics, Adaptives, and Simula-
pational tasks include location, disarmament, neutralization, tion). In order to maintain SIT’s flexibility and responsiveness
recovery, and disposal of hazardous explosives. These profes- to individual occupational demands, standardized procedures
sionals have complex cognitive and physical skill requirements were developed for collaborating with SMEs in building the
that often require engagement in austere environments during Catalytic and Simulation training elements that were incorpo-
chaotic, highly pressurized, high-risk/high-intensity situa- rated in pre-defined areas of the training sequence.
tions. The current project sought to implement and evaluate
SIT-NORCAL (HP’s) evidence-based/evidence-driven human Measurement
performance enhancement protocols within a group of spe-
cial warfare enablers assigned to EOD. The primary aims of Unit Collaboration
The Wilder Collaboration Factors Inventory (WCFI) is a tool
the project included exploring the acceptability (cultural con- that uses 20 factors to identify strengths and weaknesses of
gruence), feasibility, and impact of introducing both the con- collaborative groups. These factors are measured by 40 items
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tent and process elements associated with SIT-NORCAL (HP) grouped into six categories: Environment, Membership Char-
alongside traditional military training and simulation capabili- acteristics, Process and Structure, Communication, Purpose,
ties. Approval for quality improvement analysis of the existing and Resources. Responses are measured on a 5-point Likert
SIT-NORCAL protocol was secured jointly by the Department scale from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.” Scores
of Defense Human Subjects Review Officer (HSRO) and the form the basis for constructive discussion and planning during
Institutional Review Chief at the VA Northern California collaboration. A score of 4.0 or higher on a factor indicates
Health Care System, Mather, CA.
a strength, 3.0–3.9 is considered borderline and may require
attention, and 2.9 or lower indicates a concern and should
Methods be addressed. If most scores are above 4.0, each party can be
confident the collaboration has no major shortcomings that
Integration of the Performance Improvement/ require immediate attention, but the WCFI should be period-
Human Performance in Technology (HPT) Model ically readministered as part of continuous quality and out-
The HPT model (detailed in Part 1) was used as a structural come improvement monitoring. This is particularly important
guideline to develop processes for unit collaboration on pri- as unit members take full ownership in planning, logistics,
mary training elements and identification of goals and ob- coordination, and deployment of training elements in consul-
jectives via needs assessment (Phase 0). It was also used for tation with the SIT Trainer.
selecting and designing training modules for Phase I and II,
and for structuring effective simulations while leveraging ex-
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isting training and unit resources (Phase III). Additionally, Human Performance Targets
The Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS) was administered
this model allowed for effective change management within pre- and post-training to track progress on identified human
the protocol’s material content and processes, enhanced in- performance target skills, due to high alignment with the
tegration of technological resources, and improved measure- psychological performance targets within the SIT-NORCAL
ment capability at each of the process phases (HPT model) and protocol. This 64-item self-reported instrument assesses the
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of the intervention (SIT-NORCAL).
psychological skills and strategies used by athletes during com-
petition and practice across a wide range of performance stan-
Population: Intervention Selection, Design, dards and sports. Self-talk, emotional control, automaticity,
and Development
goal-setting, imagery, activation, and relaxation are measured
Phase 0 in competition and at practice, in addition to negative thinking
The USAF EOD teams in Northern California (n = 17) initi- in competition and attentional control at practice. Each sub-
ated collaborative efforts with the Principal Investigator (PI) on scale consists of four items measuring the frequency of use of a
engineering the existing SIT-NORCAL protocol elements for specific skill or strategy on a 5-point Likert scale from ‘Never’

Stress Inoculation Training: A Performance Training Protocol, Part 2 | 47