Enhancing the Post-Situation Analysis: JPMRC's Data Evaluation Tool and the Emerging Era of Data-Powered Lethality
The Army combat training centers (CTCs) are embracing a new era of data-driven training with the implementation of the Data Assessment Tool. This innovative digital platform, now being rolled out across all CTCs, is transforming after-action reviews (AARs) by enabling real-time data collection, automated processing, and immediate visualization of performance metrics.
The Data Assessment Tool collects data from various areas, including enemy and friendly battle damage assessment, effectiveness of indirect fires, sustainment shortfalls, medical evacuation times, and numerous other aspects. By digitizing reports through Microsoft Forms, the tool ensures timely processing and visualization of data.
In situations where internet connectivity is a challenge, field Observer-Coach/Trainers (OC/Ts) can still send their reports via radio to the training analysis feedback facility. However, with the Data Assessment Tool, OC/Ts can now submit situation reports, contact reports, unmanned aircraft system reports, fratricide reports, fire missions, and more digitally, streamlining the data collection process.
The Data Assessment Tool uses Power BI to create charts that continue to update as new digital reports are submitted. These charts are then posted on Microsoft Teams, providing a visualization of the data for senior trainers and brigade combat team commanders. This immediate access to data-driven feedback during training rotations allows commanders and staff to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies rapidly based on lessons learned.
Key components of this tool include real-time data integration, comprehensive performance metrics, data-informed analysis paired with OC/T observations, flattened communication and transparency, and automated processing and ease of access. Together, these features support enhanced learning cycles, faster leader development, and better-prepared formations in today’s digital and data-centric training environment.
The Data Assessment Tool was field-tested successfully at JPMRC-X in the Philippines, a fully instrumented CTC rotation. Over the last eight years, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel K. Bourke, the original developer of the Data Assessment Tool, served in the Pacific with JPMRC, Eighth US Army, United States Forces Korea, and the 25th Infantry Division.
As the Data Assessment Tool continues to evolve and improve based on lessons learned from usage in Hawaii and Alaska CTC rotations, JPMRC is also incorporating Microsoft Power Apps and Dataverse, and taking steps to integrate with Vantage, the Army's data platform, and approved AI applications. Satellite-based communication devices are being experimented with to create bubbles of connectivity for reporting.
AARs are conducted after training exercises or real-world operations. By linking AARs to real-time stats and observations from OC/Ts, the Data Assessment Tool ensures that feedback is both timely and relevant, driving learning and adaptation. This transformation in the AAR process is set to revolutionize leader development and training outcomes at the CTCs.
The Data Assessment Tool, integrated with Power BI and Microsoft Teams, now enables military personnel to submit various reports such as situation reports, contact reports, and fire missions digitally, streamlining data collection during warfare. This tool, initially tested at JPMRC-X in the Philippines, uses real-time data integration, automated processing, and data-informed analysis to support enhanced learning cycles and faster leader development in defense, particularly during after-action reviews (AARs).
