0154 Effects of Fatigue on Operational Performance in Navy Expeditionary Robotics Operators: A Descriptive Study

Abstract Introduction Expeditionary robotics operators have a unique mission set within the Navy. These operators utilize small vessels and various robotics systems to achieve missions in austere settings. Those missions often require that operators perform their job under varying environmental conditions that have the potential to induce high levels of fatigue. Methods Four platoons (1, n = 10; 2, n = 9; 3, n = 9; 4, n = 11) that were enrolled in a training unit underwent a 5-day field exercise designed to simulate the operational settings of being deployed. Participants were issued a Fatigue Science ReadiBand to collect actigraphy that calculated metrics such as sleep quantity, quality, efficiency, and an alertness score. Operational data (errors) were provided to the research team via the training unit instructor staff. Participants completed the Need for Cognition Scale pre-exercise and the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) post-exercise. Results Three platoons (1, 3, and 4) completed the entire exercise while platoon 2’s exercise was cut short 1 day early due to making too many critical errors. The total number of operational errors were as follows: platoon 1 committed 9 errors; platoon 2, 5 errors; platoon 3, 10 errors; and platoon 4, 2 errors. Platoons 1 and 4 showed a similar downward trend in alertness throughout the exercise, while platoons 2 and 3 had similar but more stable alertness profiles during the exercise. Sleep quality and sleep efficiency were lower in platoons 1 and 4 compared with platoons 2 and 3. Data from the IMI indicated that platoons 1 and 4 demonstrated that they felt more pressure during the exercise than platoons 2 and 3. Conclusion Platoon fatigue was not related to operational performance in a straightforward manner. Platoons 1 and 4 were the most operationally competent platoons per instructor feedback, though they experienced lower levels of alertness, worse sleep, and committed more or a similar number of errors relative to the other platoons. It is possible that platoons 1 and 4 were able to compensate in ways that allowed them to overcome heightened fatigue. This highlights the in-depth analyses required when assessing operational fatigue and performance during field operations. Support (if any)