Author(s): NETO, A., FONSECA, S., ABEL, M., MONTEIRO, L., Institution: LUSÓFONA UNIVERSITY , Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 2600

INTRODUCTION:
Professional performance in tactical populations is characterized by high functional diversity, requiring adequate levels of operational readiness to effectively meet the demands of the operational environment. Given the increasing complexity of security operations and the critical role of integrated physical and cognitive capacities in mission success, the availability of scientifically validated tools for assessing tactical-operational performance is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of the Simulated Dynamic Combat Scenario (SDCS) as a tactical performance assessment tool for public security and military professionals.
METHODS:
Thirty tactical athletes (15 police officers and 15 army soldiers; age: 31.71 ± 5.52 years; height: 1.78 ± 0.75 m; body mass: 75.76 ± 11.58 kg) completed two SDCS trials separated by a 7-day interval. The 110 m course comprised 13 tasks, including eight shooting events and five combat-specific tasks (suspended bridge crossing, casualty carry, crawling, grenade throwing, and zig-zag running). Shooting performance and total completion time were assessed using the MantisX Blackbeard software (AR-15, USA). Test–retest reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland–Altman analysis, coefficient of variation (CV), and the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality.
RESULTS:
Total CDCS completion time demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.987; 95% CI: 0.684–0.997). Good reliability was observed for overall shooting performance (ICC = 0.846; 95% CI: 0.002–0.958), casualty evacuation (ICC = 0.872; 95% CI: 0.017–0.966), and crawling (ICC = 0.789; 95% CI: −0.041–0.940), although confidence intervals were wide, indicating limited precision. Moderate reliability was found for suspended bridge crossing (ICC = 0.665; 95% CI: 0.196–0.851) and zig-zag running (ICC = 0.580; 95% CI: −0.058–0.835).
CONCLUSION:
The SDCS demonstrated high reliability for assessing tactical performance, supporting its use for monitoring operational progression, guiding targeted interventions, and enhancing controlled evaluations that reflect real-world operational demands.
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