EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ADVANCED COMMAND TRAINING SYSTEM IN TRAINING COMMANDERS OF THE SCDF

Abstract

Over 4000 fires occur in Singapore yearly, averaging over 10 fires a day. While most of these are small and manageable, on occasion, a large-scale crisis arises such as the 2016 Jurong oil tank fire which took 150 personnel 5 hours to put out. In events like this, it is crucial for the firefighters of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to be properly skilled for the situation. However, due to certain limitations, such large-scale training is not feasible. As such, the SCDF developed a serious game, the Advanced Command Training System (ACTS), which allowed for better training of the firefighters, especially the commanders. The ACTS is meant to enhance the training of the firefighters rather than replace traditional exercises. This study aims to evaluate the ACTS based on a pedagogical framework to ascertain the effectiveness of its usage in training with firefighters. Data and information were gather through literature reviews, case studies, surveys and reflection essays. Interviews were also conducted with two commanders within the SCDF and 37 of their trainees. The data is then analysed statistically with Multi-Linear Regression and Correlation comparing the ACTS and traditional training. The results suggest that the ACTS is more effective than traditional training methods as it is more authentic and reflects a real-world situation more closely. Nonetheless, there were improvements that could be made which are detailed as recommendations for the future.