There are a number of theoretical, practical, and technological challenges inherent in the design, development and implementation of adaptive training systems. Adapting training materials (e.g. content, feedback, etc.) for improved training outcomes requires innovative and systematic investigations into emerging concepts and technologies. As detailed by the National Research Council in Human Behavior in Military Contexts (2008), behavioral neurophysiology represents a promising area for research and development in military contexts; however a range of key elements must be addressed. For example, determining appropriate levels of analysis (or combinations) for accurate measurement and assessment of complex skills (e.g., situation awareness, intuitive decision making, intercultural competence, etc.) is key as training organizations transition findings from research to applied settings. Moreover, this transition requires focused front-end analysis to determine training tradeoffs associated with technical and technological integration for effectiveness and efficiency.

A brief historical overview is provided, along with a review of contemporary work and directions, leading to presentation of a technical framework for an adaptive training system that uses state of the art behavioral and neurophysiological technologies coupled with human performance engineering to optimize training effectiveness and efficiency. A summary of relevant concepts and applications is provided, indicating how they relate to each other. Finally, a range of open issues and future challenges is discussed.