Research Summaries

Back Officer of the Deck Proficiency Assessment Methodology and Techniques

Fiscal Year 2020
Division Research & Sponsored Programs
Department NPS Naval Research Program
Investigator(s) Cunha, Jesse M.
Heissel, Jennifer A.
Sponsor NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary The 2017 ship collisions/groundings increased the Navy¿s focus on the development and tracking of mariner's skills, which led the Surface Warfare Officer's School (SWOS) in 2018 to pilot an assessment tool with first tour Officers of the Deck (OODs). The assessment tool includes both written exams and a simulator exercise, and is accompanied with self-reported measures of experience and currency. Our FY19 NRP research on this topic had several components, including: (1) a statistical analysis of how characteristics of an OOD predict shiphandling ability; (2) identifying which metrics are the most useful in summarizing an OOD proficiency; and (3) reviewing the literature on related platforms/industries. We identified data gaps and collection issues in both the assessments and surveys, some of which were inconsistent with validated norms from other platforms (e.g., aviation). We recommended process improvements to remedy these issues, and SWOS has implemented modified assessments that collect richer data more suited to understanding the determinants of proficiency and currency throughout an officer¿s career. Our proposed FY20 research has two aims: 1) using the newly collected (improved) assessment data, re- examine the statistical determinants of shiphanding proficiency and currency with an eye towards understanding whether the process changes put into place have improved OOD proficiency, and 2) continue to monitor the data collection efforts of OOD proficiency by SWOS and further develop processes to seamlessly use this data for research and operational decision making. This ongoing research project will continue the productive relationship between NPS and SWOS, and will continue to inform policy decisions concerning the Surface Warfare community up to the 3/4-star level. 
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