Urbansim: a Game-based Instructional Package for Conducting Counterinsurgency Operations

Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have identified the need for instructional and training solutions that develop the skills of Battalion and Brigade Commanders in formulating situational understanding in order to successfully lead operations in a counterinsurgency environment. In this paper we describe the UrbanSim Learning Package, a game-based instructional software suite for Commanders and their staffs for directing and coordinating full-spectrum operations where the stability component is predominant. We describe a formal instructional design approach to the development of this instructional software, which consists of a component that introduces key concepts in counterinsurgency operations and a component that allows students to develop their skills in a simulated counterinsurgency environment. We describe how intelligent automated tutoring is used to provide formative feedback to students in the practice environment, and discuss our approach to student performance assessment.