Training to decide: Building Cognitive resilience and autonomy under real threat

15 Apr 2026
Human Performance Theatre

Modern operations demand warfighters who can make sound decisions under pressure, uncertainty, and real threat, often without guidance, permission or complete information. This panel explores how defence training is evolving to build cognitive resilience, judgement and autonomy, not just technical skill. are moving beyond skills-based training to develop cognitive resilience, judgement, and autonomy. Drawing on real world examples and operational experience, panellists will discuss how decision-making is trained under stress, how trust and autonomy are built, and how personnel are prepared to adapt when plans fail. The session will examine what it truly means to train the human to decide in contested, high-risk environments.

Chairperson
Jim Pharmer
Jim Pharmer, Chief Scientist for the Training Systems Research, Development Test and Evaluation Department (GT5E) and the Head of the Experimental and Applied Human Performance and Training Research and Development Division (GT55) - Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD)
Speakers
Alexander Camp
Mr. Alexander Camp, Applied Cognitive Effects Project Officer - NATO HQ SACT
Fergus Hay
Mr. Fergus Hay, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer - The Hacking Games
Janet Blatny
Janet Blatny, Research Director - Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI)
Pete Cooper
Pete Cooper, General Manager, EMEA. Customer Security Management Office, Office of the CISO - Microsoft