This thesis is a preliminary study of the spoken language system (SLS) interface under development for the U.S. Army automated planning and asset visibility system called Logistics Anchor Desk (LAD). The purpose of the study is to determine whether or not there is advantage in the addition of an SLS interface capability to LAD's graphic user interface. One of the uses for automation tools in the military community is the analysis of quantifiable aspects of military operations as input to the military decision making process. This study looks at the potential impact an SLS interface can have on one of those tools given the current state of the art in speech based interface technology. Results of the test done with LAD comparing performance with and without the SLS interface indicate several advantages to be gained with the SLS interface. Most notably, participants were able to complete a routine set of tasks in one third the amount of time. Additionally, participants felt that the system was more usable and would require less user training time. Despite current limitations in the technology, speech based interface has clear potential for military application.

ADA 312420 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)