: This report gives an abbreviated summary of the development and implementation conditions and the findings for the Synthetic Theater of War (STOW) Exercise Trial, conducted at Fort Knox, KY in March 1998. The trial results indicate that there is potential for realizing training value from STOW-type training, and that training support materials can he developed using the same model and procedures used for other Force XXI Training Program exercises. However, improvements to the simulation systems and linkages, the communications systems, and the physical layout are needed prior to further research on training value. Details about the full preparation process, reasons for decisions, and data that support the reported findings are contained in a research report entitled The COBRAS Synthetic Theater of War Exercise Trial: Report on Development, Results, and Lessons Learned (Campbell, Pratt, Deter, Graves, Ford, Campbell, & Quinkert, in preparation).

: This Orientation Guide acquaints leaders of armored and mechanized brigades with the Brigade and Battalion staff Exercise that is part of the Combined Arms Operations at Brigade Level, Realistically Achieved Through Simulation (COBRAS) Program. It provides leaders with information to decide if and how to include this in their unit training program, by providing an overview, the intent, and requirements of the exercise. Additionally, it provides others interested in multiechelon simulation-basal training with a description of the program, the performance objectives, and the implementation resources.

: This report presents the development of the U.S. Army's Force XXI Training Program's Combined Arms Operations at the Brigade Level, Realistically Achieved Through Simulation I (COBRAS I) training program for the brigade staff. The COBRAS I program provides structured, simulation-based training on basic staff skills for conventionally-equipped forces and consists of two types of exercises: a Brigade Staff Exercise for the brigade commander and his staff, and smaller Brigade Staff Vignettes for segments of the staff The report highlights the program's background and design efforts (e.g., task identification, scenario design), the construction of the training support package (TSP) materials, and the resulting exercises and TSPs; formative evaluation methods and results are included throughout this discussion. The report concludes with a discussion of lessons learned regarding future program development and an introduction to the COBRAS I follow-on effort (COBRAS II) that will enhance the capability of the program to satisfy the U.S. Army's training needs.

: The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) and the Force XXI Training Program have sponsored the development of a structured simulation-based training program for selected staffs of conventional mounted brigades. The development effort, entitled the Combined Arms Operations at Brigade Level Realistically Achieved Through Simulation (and known as COBRAS) resulted in construction of training support packages (TSPs) for large-scale exercises and for small-group vignettes. Development of the scenario and all TSP materials followed the guidance found in the Methodology for the Development of Structured Simulation-Based Training, published by ARI in 1995. This report documents an expanded methodology, based on experience in the COBRAS program. The expansion is contained in the Guide for Development of Structured Simulation-Based Training. The Guide contains additional examples and warnings, and more in-depth coverage of TSP construction and formative evaluations. This report discusses the activities in the methodology.