Using THE HTA TOOL for Agile Mission Planning

Abstract

The software application known as THE HTA TOOL was developed, non-commercially, under the auspices of the Human Factors Integration - Defence Technology Centre (HFI-DTC). This is an MOD initiative. The original driver was a growing demand for the computerisation of Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), a well recognised, if 40 year old, methodology. HTA is used predominantly in the training domain, but more recently has been used for air mission planning (for Euro-Fighter). The nature of most missions is changing (e.g. from attrition to effects-based) and while new technology can facilitate changes after the start of an operation, there is a shortage of planning tools to enable agility in the planning process. This paper will argue that THE HTA TOOL can be utilised for mission analysis and rapid modification, and that it has potential as an agile planning tool for ground combat. The paper will discuss the benefits of using a computerised application, look at examples of mission planning and how these can benefit from the numerous features of the tool (which can be freely distributed under the aegis of NATO, the TTCP, and other programs).

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(Any views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the UK MoD)