An Approach to Advance Higher Order Cross-cultural Awareness in Dismounted Soldiers

Cultural awareness is important for a range of operations from disaster assistance to active conflict. This paper illustrates the application of an acknowledged system of systems (SoS) to train dismounted soldiers in cultural awareness. Such training system is required to not only increase intelligence gathering opportunities but also minimize troop member loss during missions. Moreover, given the increase in the cultural interaction of dismounted soldiers, specific training is needed to raise cultural awareness. In this research an acknowledged (SoS) model of augmented cultural awareness centered on both agent-based simulation and body sensor networks is proposed. The immersive vest developed at Missouri University of Science and Technology helps assess the distributive intelligence (situational awareness) of both the dismounted soldier and civilians alike. This processed data is then used to train a similar prototype of the physical system environment as an agent based simulation. Strategies in agent's behavior are also described. This description allows him/her to adapt specific behaviors in response to the foreign civilian.