15th ICCRTS

Command and Control operators rely heavily on radio communications to efficiently plan, direct, coordinate, and control assets to successfully complete their mission. This communication intensive environment imposes a high degree of workload on operators thus resulting in failures of detection or comprehension of communication. Multi‐Modal Communication (MMC) is a net‐centric communication management suite that captures, visually displays, records, and archives radio communication thus allowing instant access to past communications as well as an increase in the intelligibility of current communication. This study examined the performance associated with monitoring multiple communication channels with access to different communication tools. In all experimental conditions, operators participated in a 10‐minute communication‐monitoring task in which they monitored and responded to the occurrence of critical phrases. Communication performance was analyzed in regards to message detection, response accuracy, and response time. Data showed that MMC can provide a balance between the speed of radio listening and the accuracy and data‐capturing capabilities of chat displays. MMC can be a beneficial tool to Command and Control operators in its ability to increase intelligibly while providing a persistent, searchable visual display of voice communication, which reduces workload while helping maintain situation awareness.