Digitization is the future of the Army. However, along with digitization come training and personnel implications. This report discusses training issues associated with digitization, specifically those that address a need to train and maintain backup along with digital skills. Backup skills are the individual and collective skills required when digital systems are degraded or unavailable. The study focused on the digital M1A2 Abrams Main Battle training program as an exemplar. Lessons learned about digital and backup training requirements should be applied in the M2A3 training program. The study investigated issues that are applicable to a wide range of digital applications and training conditions. The study examined individual and collective tasks that support tank operations and found both digital and backup tasks to be poorly defined, particularly in collective performance. A method for analysis is described and analytic results reported. The study also outlines the current state of training armor and infantry soldiers and the impact that increased digitization may have on training pipelines. The study employed a series of expert groups to define issues and formulate recommendations. These groups included users, developers, researchers, and trainers with a wide spectrum of experience and viewpoints. Expert group results are reported and include 15 primary issues and accompanying recommendations.

"This study report provides an overview of critical training issues facing the Army as the 21st% Century Force becomes increasingly digital. The focus of this report is on understanding the significant change brought about by digitization and the ramifications that may result in degraded mode or back-up training requirements. This report is the first of three prepared under the U.S. Army Research Institute's Studies and Analysis effort titled Back-Up Training Requirements for the Digitized Battlefield. Issues and concerns documented in this report are addressed in two subsequent study reports: Analysis of Emerging Digital and Back-Up Training Requirements and Issues and Recommendations: Training the Digital Force. The impetus for this effort was provided by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel's Directorate of Personnel Technologies. Of concern was the lack of analysis regarding how the Army should address training and sustaining conventional or back-up skills for operations when digital system capabilities become degraded. This issue will become increasingly important as digitization of the force increases and resources decrease."--DITC.