Research was performed to identify prominent characteristics of Field Artillery forward observer (FO) selection and training which can be used to improve basic performance of FO tasks and thereby enhance the combat effectiveness of the fire support system. The methodology incorporated profile development, task analysis, and training analysis. These research elements were supported by data obtained from: (1) interviews with instructors and over 50 FOs or Fire Support Team (FIST) chiefs, (2) two questionnaires administered to Field Artillery Officer Basic course (FAOBC) students, and (3) a questionnaire completed by 332 artiller officers. The task analysis clearly showed that map reading skills were among the most critical FO skills, Task by scenario interactions were found to be an important consideration in determining FO tasks and skill requirements. The training analysis revealed discrepancies in the list of tasks taught in FAOBC and the list of tasks emerging from the tasks analysis and identified alternaitve approaches. Methodology and procedures were suggested for increasing the effectiveness of FO and OBC training development.

Title page stamped "DRAFT", with "FINAL" handwritten above the stamp. Date at bottom of title page: July 1979. Contains handwritten marks and notations. Technical number: RN-79-19.

Introduction --Profile development -- Forward observer task analysis -- Training analysis -- Army operations and training publications -- Appendix A Forward observer personal profile questionnaire (developmental form A) with combined percentages of response from OBC 12-78 and OBC 1-79 and developmental form B -- Appendix B Forward observer questionnaire, instructions, and cover letter -- Appendix C Prediction models built on OBC 1-79 data -- Appendix D Task lists developed from OBC texts -- Appendix E Summary data from forward observer task analysis form -- Appendix F Forward observer task analysis form data - task criticality by scenario -- Appendix G Forward observer task analysis form data - task difficulty by scenario -- Appendix H Summary data from forward observer questionnaire -- Appendix I List of non-FO tasks from FAOBC COI and 13F COI -- Appendix J Forward observer training evaluation questionnaire -- Appendix K Summary data from forward observer training evaluation questionnaire.