2003 IMTA Proceedings - International Military Testing Association

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specifications of the 105 occupations within the Canadian Forces was viewed as the most
pragmatic and objective way of eventual recommending occupations for selection,
training, and employment in these positions. Over the course of these research events,
instruments were developed to measure the tasks and knowledge involved in UAV GCS
positions as well as the human factors and physiological factors involved as well. These
instruments are described after a short summary of the three research events involving
UAVs that have occurred to date.
Robust Ram
The initial field experiment involving UAVs was held at Suffield Range, Alberta
in April 2002. One mini UAV (Pointer manufactured by AeroVironment), and two
MALE UAVs (Bombardier’s CL-327 Guardian and General Atomics’ I-Gnat) were
demonstrated by manufacturer representatives during military land exercises.
Job requirements associated with the tasks, knowledge, and skills, crew
composition, command and control, ground maintenance, and communications involved
in integrating information technology and information management for net-centric
warfare development were primary concerns from a human resource perspective during
this initial field work. Since Robust Ram was the initial research event focusing on the
potential of UAVs in the Canadian Forces, field observations and notes were gathered
based on discussions with manufacturing representatives, Canadian Forces personnel
employed with and supporting each UAV. Task, knowledge, and skill statements were
compiled from the 105 occupations within the Canadian Forces military occupational
structure, which served as a checklist and guidance during field observations of Canadian
Forces personnel interacting with equipment and performing duties associated with
MALE GCS positions during mission scenarios. Human resource information gathered
during Robust Ram provided a baseline understanding of common GCS positions and
their potential knowledge and task requirements.
Operation Grizzly (OP GRIZZLY)
A joint ISR operation between the Chief of Land Staff (CLS) and the Chief of Air
Staff (CAS) provided ground and air support to the June 2002 G-8 summit in Kananaskis,
Alberta. General Atomics’ I-Gnat was employed, with Canadian Forces personnel in
each of the GCS positions save that of the UAV Operator (Pilot) due to contract
obligations. OP GRIZZLY represented the first operational use of UAVs within Canada.
Canadian Forces ISR support to this summit was successful and commended due in part
to MALE UAV involvement.
OP GRIZZLY also provided the first opportunity to collect consistent data on the
tasks, knowledge, skills, and environmental demands associated with UAV GCS
positions filled by Canadian Forces personnel through the development of a structured
interview questionnaire. Canadian Forces personnel employed in the various UAV GCS
positions met individually with a Canadian Forces Personnel Selection Officer who
briefed them on the purpose of the 45-minute structured interview. Interviewees were
then asked a series of questions and their responses were recorded verbatim onto a laptop
computer. All responses were then compiled, analyzed, and reported on an
45 th Annual Conference of the International Military Testing Association
Pensacola, Florida, 3-6 November 2003