¶ … Mission Command Training EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MISSION COMMAND TRAINING PROGRAM

MSA 699 Project Report

For the Degree of Master of Science in Administration

(Concentration in General Administration)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the MTCP (Mission Command Training Program). Unlike the traditional training centers that focus on training units on the ground, the MTCP uses stimulation programs to carry out training operations. The decision criteria for the research focuses on the benefits to be derived from the implementation and analysis updated literatures. The updated literature from the Department of Army reveals more benefits that the costs incurred in the operation because MTCP has been able to decline the annual costs incurred in its operations.

The study collects data using quantitative technique to validate the data collected through secondary sources. The data are collected from MTCP budget and logistics department and the financial data of the MTCP are collected to evaluate the effectiveness of the MTCP.

Additionally, the study develops hypothesis using the 7-Step hypothesis testing. The 7-step hypothesis testing is as follow:

Step 1: Description of the population characteristics of which hypotheses are to be tested,

Step 2: Declaring the Alternative and Null Hypotheses,

Step 3: Choosing a numerical value for Type I error,

Step 4: Determining the Test Statistic,

Step 5: Determining the Significance Point

Step 6: Obtaining the data, and apply test statistic,

Step 7: Decide to reject or accept the Null Hypothesis.

The results of the regression analysis make the study to accept the null hypothesis and reject the alternative hypothesis. The study accepts the null hypothesis because MTCP delivers the yearly cost benefits for the Department of Army. There is a general cost reduction for the operation and the benefits derived are greater than the costs of operations.

Despite the costs benefits derived from MTCP, there is still a criticism centered against MTCP operations on the ground that the soldiers trained at the ground training centers might be more effective that the soldiers trained with simulation programs. The study suggests that there is a need to implement a higher level of fidelity...

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Table 3: Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research 25-26

Table 4: Summary of FY14-18 and FY15-19 30

Table 5: Descriptive Statistics 30

Table 6: Summary Output of Regression Analysis 31

CHAPTER I: DEFINITION OF THE PROBLEM

Introduction

The over-arching theme of this research project was a program evaluation of the effectiveness of the Mission Command Training Program (MCTP) and the use of simulations in support of contingency operations. The Mission Command Training Program is the Army's capstone Combat Training Center (CTC). MCTP assists units in developing processes and building teams to plan and conduct…