The present paper is the third in a series that seeks to describe the theories and methods employed to create engaging learning environments for training Marine and Army junior leaders, U.S. Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations teams to think adaptively. The first publication (I/ITSEC 2005) described a novel use of a first-person shooter game-based training system (in use since 2004) at the JKF Special Warfare Center and School that focuses on negotiation skills, cross-cultural communication. The second publication (I/ITSEC 2006) described the simulation experience design method used to create a "crucible" experiences that invoke trainee adaptive thinking by forcing crucial choices, and sharpening one's focus. The present paper addresses more specifically the perspectives that have inspired the development of methods (used first for the U.S. Special Forces and currently for DARPA DARWARS Ambush NK! [Non-Kinetic]) to train adaptive thinking particularly by honing cultural awareness and metacognitive agility for non-kinetic engagements.
In the full paper, we discuss perspectives from intercultural communication, social-process simulation, and metacogntion that have inspired the approach to overall training architecture and software development to train adaptive thinking, cultural awareness, and metacognitive agility for multi-player game-based systems. We describe how game-based training can be designed as consisting of a system of experiences, and how the design of a reflective role, in-game assessments & evaluation, and quantitative evaluations in after action reviews enhanced for non-kinetic engagements, present a unique blend of methods from which to enhance adaptive thinking. The paper addresses how the instantiated role functionality and methods can be used by observer controllers, peer trainees, subject matter or cultural experts, instructors, etc. to provide quantitative feedback of actions taken, (including communications) as they occur in real-time. We discuss how our approach instantiates in software a unique role that provides experience with developing the metacognitive strategies and self-monitoring skills necessary to develop adaptive, self-aware leaders.