This paper examines the theory and design considerations of effective learning applications built with Augmented Reality (AR) to better prepare Basic Combat training candidates for the tasks and stressors associated with training. The research questions focused on the evaluation of learning outcomes, emotional experiences, and transfer results compared between traditional multimedia material and a multimodal AR application designed and developed for this study. A primary interest is to discover if informal learning can prime basic training candidates for the rigors of basic training and increase their successful completion. A mixed-methods, between-subject research design was executed as a pilot study (n = 10). Two groups were compared. The control group (n = 5) represented the standard educational practices that use-multimedia slides and the experimental group (n = 5) introduced a novel-AR App. A variety of instruments were used to measure declarative knowledge, conceptual knowledge, procedural task knowledge, and emotional states, followed by a time delayed transfer test on the same outcomes. Results that were evaluated using non-parametric statistics show there are no statistical differences in actual learning or transfer between the two groups but that there are strong trends in perceived learning, perceived stress, homesickness, rankings regarding the utility of AR, and subjective evaluation (immersion, engagement, and perceived learning). Interesting correlations were found to be different between the AR and the control conditions that may inform the use of technology in training applications and design. Qualitative data was gathered using interviews, think-aloud protocols, and field notes. This quantitative data combined iv with qualitative evidence supports further study with an increased sample size to better evaluate immersive learning application design.

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The attrition rate of enlistees in basic combat training is of particular concern to all Branches of the military due to the high cost associated with recruiting and training a new enlistee. Each year the military loses hundreds of millions of dollars invested in enlistees whom never make it to their first duty station. Investigators have extensively examined the impact of physiological injuries on the rate of enlistee discharge from basic combat training. Also, investigators have reported that alcoholism, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders were among the leading hospital discharge diagnostic categories for enlistees during the 1990s; especially, within the first six-months of service. Additionally, investigators have reported that the transition process from civilian to military in basic combat training tends to be very stressful and anxiety provoking for enlistees. However, little data has been gathered to assess the relationship of enlistees' physiological and perceived stress levels and their attrition rate. A study was conducted of 155 soldiers during their nine-week basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Salivary amylase testing was used as an objective measure of physiological stress, and the Multiple Affects Adjective CheckList Revised (MACCL-R) was use as a subjective measure of perceived stress. It was hypothesized that enlistees with higher levels of stress would also have a higher level of depression and hostility resulting in performance degradation. The results of linear regression analyses and multivariate pairwise correlation showed a statistically significant positive relationship among perceived stress, hostility and depression levels. Additionally, the analyses showed that for the soldiers participating in this study, coping style moderated their perceived stress experience. Those participants who were able to modify their coping mechanism to meet the physically and mentally demanding challenges of basic combat training tended to be more confident in successfully completing training. Moreover, they were less likely to receive disciplinary action. The military training command has requested follow up studies to expand upon this current study to encompass the various training cycles over a one-year time period. / Ph. D.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a high injury rate in the lower extremities among military recruits. A correlation has been shown between female gender or a low level of physical activity prior to basic military training and a higher risk of injury. AIM: To investigate the self-reported injury rate in the lower extremities among Swedish recruits and the difference in injury rate between men and women. Another aim was to investigate correlation between self-reported injury rate in the lower extremities and self-reported physical activity, and to study this correlation for both men and women. METHOD: A quantitative study with a prospective, descriptive, comparative and correlative design. Data from two different questionnaires were answered by 177 recruits. RESULTS: 26% of the recruits reported injury in lower extremities after completing the basic training. There was a significant difference (p=0.006) in self-reported injury between female and male recruits. The level of prior physical activity and the injury rate amongst the recruits had a low correlation. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a high injury rate among Swedish recruits, especially among the female recruits. No correlation between self-reported physical activity and the injury rate in lower extremities was found. / BAKGRUND: Tidigare studier visar på hög skadeprevalens i nedre extremiteter hos militära rekryter under grundläggande militär utbildning. Samband har setts mellan kvinnligt kön eller låg fysisk aktivitetsnivå före utbildningsstart och ökad skaderisk. SYFTE: Undersöka den självrapporterade skade-/besvärsprevalensen i nedre extremitet hos svenska rekryter efter avslutad grundläggande militär utbildning (GMU), samt studera skillnader mellan könen i detta avseende. Syftet var också att undersöka sambandet mellan självrapporterad fysisk aktivitetsnivå inför GMU och skade-/besvärsprevalensen i nedre extremiteter efter genomförd utbildning samt studera sambandet för män respektive kvinnor. METOD: En kvantitativ studie med prospektiv, deskriptiv, komparativ och korrelerande design. Data från två olika enkäter besvarades av 177 rekryter. RESULTAT: 26% av rekryterna rapporterade skada/besvär i nedre extremitet vid avslutad utbildning. Signifikant skillnad (p=0,006) kunde ses i självrapporterad skade-/besvärsprevalens mellan kvinnliga (42%) och manliga (21%) rekryter. Nivå av fysisk aktivitet och skade-/besvärsprevalensen hos rekryterna hade inget signifikant samband och låg korrelation. KONKLUSION: Resultaten tyder på hög skadeprevalens inom GMU, framförallt hos kvinnliga rekryter. Något samband mellan självskattad nivå av fysisk aktivitetsnivå och skade-/besvärsprevalens i nedre extremitet fanns inte hos rekryterna. Sambandet fanns varken för män eller kvinnor på gruppnivå.