Modeling complex tactical team dynamics in observed submarine operations

Abstract

Successful submarine operations - those that accomplish the mission while maintaining security and safety - depend on numerous factors. Among the most critical elements driving success are the effectiveness of team behavior and the ability to understand when this behavior breaks down such that this degradation can be mitigated or avoided. While underway, submarine Commanders and other leaders must be attuned and alert to potential precursors that may manifest in decreased performance. This paper describes a framework used to develop performance measures to support formative assessment of team behaviors and to examine team breakdown and degradation. Results are reported from two events: an observation of an operational exercise and a study at the Naval Submarine School concerning the validity and utility of the measures. This preliminary research captured essential aspects of performance and helped define future efforts to develop better tools for assessing team behavior and understanding team breakdown in our warfighters. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.