Human Factors

Question 1

What are the 2 systems that help humans respond to stress?

Answer 1

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS)

Parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)

Question 2

What are the factors that affect decsion making in combat?

Answer 2

Endogenous: Those factors that affect Marines from within.
Exogenous: Those factors affecting Marines externally.
Transitory: Factors that may be mitigated by training.
Enduring: Factors that may be mitigated by education

Question 3

Define Combat

Answer 3

engaging enemy w/ individual or crew
served wpns; being exposed to direct or indirect enemy fire; & otherwise
undergoing a high probability of direct contact w/ enemy personnel & firepower, to include the risk of capture

Question 4

What are the 9 common elements found in a combat envrionment?

Answer 4

1. Confusion and lack of information.
2. Casualties.
3. Violent, unnerving sights and sounds.
4. Feelings of isolation.
5. Communication breakdowns.
6. Individual discomfort and fatigue.
7. Fear, stress, and mental fatigue.
8. Continuous operations.
9. Homesickness

Question 5

What are the 5 stressors of combat?

Answer 5

Boredom.
• Fog of war.
• Casualties.
• Discomfort and fatigue.
• Extreme risk and fear.

Question 6

What are the factors that mitigate fear?

Answer 6

• Morale.
• Discipline.
• Esprit de corps.
• Proficiency.
• Motivation.
• Training.

Question 7

What are the 3 common attributes that need to be present for a commander to be successful?

Answer 7

Physical courage, intellect, and character

Question 8

What are the 2 responsibilties Marine leaders must always have?

Answer 8

• Mission accomplishment.

* Troop welfare

Question 9

What are some actions unit leaders can take to minimize combat stress?

Answer 9

Conduct hard realistic trng, educate Marines on human factors in combat, train for casualties

Question 10

What are some actions unit leaders can take to minimize combat stress during deployment?

Answer 10

Be confident and decisive, Encourage and talk to your Marines about non-mission
related subjects, Conduct thorough debriefs after every mission, Maintain the high standards, conduct PT, Integrate combat replacements

Question 11

What are some actions unit leaders can take to minimize combat stress post deployment?

Answer 11

Warrior Transition, Counseling: Prevent/ID combat stress, PT Emphasize unit, cohesion, Small Unit Training, Chaplain/Medical Officer