America's Longest Established Simulation & Training Magazine
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Aviation Trainer Gen. Robin Rand Commander Air Force Education and Training Command
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August 2014
Volume 19, Issue 5
Defeating IEDs O Aircraft Maintenance Simulation O Embedded Training Virtual Worlds
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military Training technology Features
Cover / Q&A
Special Section: Serious gaming
11
20
Virtual Worlds
The commercial gaming industry in recent years has striven for the highest possible level of fidelity and realism. The U.S. military, which takes much of its inspiration for simulation training from gaming, has followed suit. By Peter Buxbaum
Serious Games
An MT2 exclusive interview on serious gaming with Lieutenant Colonel Gregory “Gator” Gatrell, assistant project manager, Combined Arms Tactical Trainers, PEO STRI/Games for Training and Emerging Technologies.
12
Serious Gaming Resource Guide
16
Serious gaming plays a critical role in maintaining operational readiness for the warfighter, and the developers who provide these solutions are consistently using innovative technologies to meet the needs of the military.
4
Aircraft Maintenance Simulation
Training mechanics with hands-on experience on an F-16 fighter jet or a Black Hawk helicopter can be costly and consumes valuable resources. Using simulation prepares these mechanics prior to getting their hands dirty and optimizes live training. By Brian O’Shea
August 2014 Volume 19, Issue 5
Gen. Robin Rand
Commander Air Force Education and Training Command
8
23
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been the major threat, or among the major threats, in both Iraq and Afghanistan. IEDs are likely to be similarly important in any future conflict that U.S. forces clearly dominate in conventional terms. By Henry Canaday
The U.S. military is on a mission to reduce the costs and improve the efficiencies of its training program. One way to do that is to have learners train virtually on the actual systems they will be using in live operations. By Peter Buxbaum
Defeating IEDs
Embedded Training
“To that point, AETC is leading the way in training the initial cadre of F-35 pilots and maintainers at Eglin Air Force Base,
Departments
Industry Interview
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James J. Jackson
Vice President and Service Line Manager SAIC
28
Fla., keeping the Air Force on course to field the first F-35A operational squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in 2016.” — General Robin Rand
EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
Military Training Technology Volume 19, Issue 5 • August 2014
Recognized Leader Covering All Aspects of Military Training Readiness Editorial Editor
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Operations, Circulation & Production
Industry leaders based in Research Park, Orlando, Fla., got a bit nervous when newly appointed Program Executive Officer (PEO) for the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training & Instrumentation (PEO STRI), Major General James Maddux, cancelled a potential $8 billion request for proposal (RFP) for the Army’s Train, Educate and Coach (TEACH) program. The program entails education, training and training-related services. Services included platform instruction and courseware development to support in the planning, preparation and execution of training and mission rehearsal programs. Brian O’Shea Maddux took over for longtime PEO James Blake, and cancelling Editor the RFP for TEACH was one of Maddux’s first decisions made while in the new position. This decision was viewed by many in the modelling and simulation community as an indicator that the Army may be taking steps to shut down the Army’s training and simulation acquisition authority in Orlando. However, Maddux recently told the media that was not the intent and tried to allay some of those fears. “I’ll swear on a Bible I’ve never heard base realignment and closure discussed for this community at all. Ever,” Maddux said. “I can’t predict the future, but it’s not like I came here and someone told me, ‘Go down there and shut this organization down.’ That is not the case at all. In fact, I’m all in to grow this organization and focus on the portfolio.” In another step that helps ease fears of a shutdown is the Army is developing a 30-year plan detailing the Army’s future technological training needs. “The other thing we’re doing deliberately is to come up with a 30-year plan,” said Maddux. “A 30-year plan has never been done for this portfolio—training, testing, cyber and instrumentation portfolio—so every year we’ve been looking at things on a short-term basis and changing our Army money around to short-term needs.” While he said that he cannot predict the future, it is reassuring to hear that a 30-year plan is in development. Granted, the cancellation of the TEACH RFP is a big blow to those companies planning on competing for it, but having a 30-year map is some insurance they are here to stay. If you have any questions about Military Training Technology feel free to contact me at any time.
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Marksmanship Simulator Contract Awarded Meggitt Training Systems Inc. was awarded a $99,000,000 contract to provide the nextgeneration simulator for marksmanship and squad collective training, modify marksmanship
trainers and simulated weapons to the Engagement Skills Trainer II configuration, and procure EST mission essential requirements. Funding and work location will be determined,
$110 Million Awarded for Series of Training Systems
CAE recently announced that it has won a series of contracts valued at approximately $110 million to provide a range of training systems and services for global defense customers. These include contracts to provide the T-6C ground-based training system and services for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), a contract to upgrade the visual systems on the German Air Force’s Eurofighter simulators, a contract from Korea Aerospace Industries to provide the visual system for a T-50IQ fullmission simulator, and a contract to provide a KC-135 boom operator weapon systems trainer for an undisclosed international customer. CAE was also awarded contracts from the Beechcraft Defense Company LLC to develop and support a comprehensive T-6C groundbased training system (GBTS) for the RNZAF. The T-6C GBTS will be an integrated training system that includes two T-6C operational flight trainers, computer-based classroom training systems, and courseware customized for RNZAF pilot training. CAE has established CAE New Zealand to provide long-term training support and maintenance services at RNZAF Base Ohakea. The T-6C GBTS is part of an overall training solution Beechcraft is providing to the RNZAF that includes 11 T-6C Texan II military trainer aircraft and 30 years of logistics support. The two CAE-built T-6C operational flight trainers (OFTs) will include a high-fidelity replica of the T-6C cockpit with a fully-enclosed 270-by-70-degree field-of-view display system driven by the CAE Medallion-6000 image generator. The T-6C OFT will also feature the CAE-developed common database, an open database architecture that enhances the ability to correlate and rapidly update databases to support training and mission rehearsal requirements. The comprehensive T-6C GBTS will be delivered to RNZAF Base Ohakea in 2015 and CAE will then provide on-site training support services. Chris Stellwag; chris.stellwag@cae.com
Modification of U.S. Army Joint Readiness Training Center Mission Support Contract Cubic Applications Inc. (CAI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cubic Corporation, recently announced that it has received a contract modification worth more than $60 million. Cubic will continue to provide highly realistic rotational and pre-deployment training to U.S. troops. This award of the seventh option year on CAI’s U.S. Army’s Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) Mission Support Services contract at Fort Polk, La., increases the potential ceiling value of this contract to $896 million. The JRTC is the U.S. Army’s premier combat training center, providing advanced collective training for a wide variety of units, including brigade combat teams and special forces operational detachments. Suzanne Hatcher, suzanne.hatcher@cubic.com www.MT2-kmi.com
with each order having an estimated completion date of June 17, 2019. Army Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity.
Joint Force Development Support Services Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) recently announced it was one of seven companies awarded the Joint Force Development Support Services indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide training, education and exercise solutions and services in support of the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Joint Staff J-7 Directorate, combatant commands, the military services, U.S. government federal agencies and multinational partners. The multiple award contract has a five-year period of performance and a total potential value of more than $800 million for all awardees. Work will be performed primarily in Arlington and Hampton Roads, Va. The Joint Staff J-7 Directorate for Joint Force Development supports the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the joint warfighter through joint force development in order to advance the operational effectiveness of the current and future joint force. Under the contract, SAIC will provide adaptive support for training and real-world operations by offering varying combinations of education (academics), training assessment, concept development, experimentation and assessments (solutions for warfighters) to sharpen the force in preparation for future challenges. “SAIC is poised to provide exceptional joint training and force development capabilities to warfighters facing complex and diverse challenges today,” said Mark Escobar, SAIC, DoD Agencies and Commands Group senior vice president. “This contract will develop and maintain current and future joint warfighting capabilities, and ensure the force is well trained, adaptable and responsive. With our experienced and talented staff, we bring an entire portfolio of capabilities to the Joint Staff and beyond in an integrated manner, consistent with the priorities the chairman has set out in his vision for the force of 2020.” Lauren Darson; lauren.a.darson@saic.com
PEOPLE Air Force Lieutenant General James M. Holmes is nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as deputy chief of staff, strategic plans and requirements, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Holmes is currently serving as vice commander, Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Major General Stephen R. Lyons, commanding general, 8th
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Theater Sustainment Command, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, has been assigned to commanding general, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command/Sustainment Center of Excellence and Fort Lee, Fort Lee, Va. Brigadier General Willard M. Burleson III, deputy commanding general, 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., has been assigned to director, Mission Command Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
MT2 19.5 | 3
Simulation is utilized to reduce cost and use of resources.
By Brian O’Shea, MT2 Editor
What the Army would like to see from industry is a “one stop Maintenance crews are faced with complex problems to keep the shop” capability to increase aircraft maintainers’ training levels, said military’s extensive portfolio of aircraft up in the air. Training meBliss. Having one venue for maintainers to sit in front of and work chanics with hands-on experience on an F-16 fighter jet or a Black through all levels of training would benefit the Army Hawk helicopter can be costly and consumes valuable in minimizing facilities and costs while providing a resources. Using simulation prepares these mechanics comprehensive trainer from basic to advanced levels. prior to getting their hands dirty and optimizes live He added that simulator capability will evolve training. more and more over time towards transportable me“The primary benefit to simulated training is twodiums like tablets and laptop computers so pilots and fold: first, to optimize live training; second, to train maintainers will be able to train without facility or lotasks too dangerous or expensive to train in a live concation restrictions. dition,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mark Bliss, product The U.S. Marines use maintenance simulation manager for Air and Command Tactical Trainers at the trainers on the MV-22 Osprey. This type of training Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and includes everything from the basic walk around, startInstrumentation. “Simulators allow crews to train for Lt. Col. Mark Bliss ing the auxiliary power unit, performing operational tasks such as gunnery qualification numerous times checks of the systems, blade fold wing stow, and shutto enhance proficiency so that the live gunnery qualidown procedures. They also include testing and troufication is more likely with less iteration. Also, tasks bleshooting simulations, said Sergeant Corey Michael such as engine failure in flight are often too dangerous Adams, MOS [military occupation specialty] school to train in the actual aircraft, whereas simulators allow instructor for 6326 MV-22 Avionics. for repetition without the risk to aircraft or pilots.” “We are able to teach Marines how to start the Aircraft maintenance trainers range from desktop auxiliary power unit and perform blade fold wing trainers to full aircraft cutaway simulators. For the stow operations,” said Adams regarding Marine simuaircraft maintainers, the training begins on computlated training on the MV-22. “Marines will have to go ers with a conceptual and procedural focus. More adthrough a long evolution of training in order to get vanced training includes cutaway trainers, which show the aircraft with parts and barriers removed exposing Sgt. Corey Michael Adams these qualifications out in the fleet, but using simulation allows us to show them what they will expect the interior of the platform. The most complex trainto see. During simulation training with the avionics functional V-22 ing takes place on the actual aircraft parts and systems. trainer, we are able to instruct eight students at a time instead of only Finding the right balance between simulated training and live being able to teach two students at a time with a cockpit trainer.” training is always a challenge. The basic walk around and starting the auxiliary power unit is the “Simulated training exists primarily to optimize live training,” beginner level of training. Blade fold wing stow is more on the adsaid Bliss. “In other words, simulators ensure that the minimum time vanced side due to the number of moving parts. While many mainteis required while using live systems to either achieve or demonstrate nance trainers are becoming more mobile, training for MV-22 mainproficiency. Balance is achieved in simulators up to the point where tenance is not a mobile system. live training is actually being replaced by simulators. It is up to the “It should only be done at home station,” said Adams. “If you are operational commanders to determine where the tipping point exists, deployed you should already have this knowledge that the simulator as crew proficiency, platform availability and costs all play a part in provides and be able to perform those functions on an aircraft.” developing the right balance.” 4 | MT2 19.5
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On the industry side of things, aircraft maintenance trainers have come a long way over the past decade. The Disti Corporation is an Orlando, Fla.-based provider of graphical interaction technology used in human machine interface development and maintenance training. They provide two solutions for aircraft maintenance training. The first is the Virtual Environment Software Development Kit (VESDK) for producing platform level maintenance trainers. This system is the preferred solution on numerous military maintenance trainers, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the F/A-18 Super Hornet. The second is a commercial tool called Replic8, for producing part task level maintenance trainers. Replic8 provides an Scott Ariotti out-of-the-box lesson framework for producing courseware assets without sariotti@disti.com programming. Disti’s VESDK is not just a rendering toolkit for drawing a picture on a screen, it is a process for producing virtual environments for system of system level maintenance training, said Scott Ariotti, director global marketing, Disti Corporation. This process manages the development of these environments using a centralized database repository and a series of tools that automate requirements analysis, build environments and regression testing. The result is a virtual environment built from requirements that trace back to the maintenance training procedures. The environment is also plug-and-play compatible with any simulation engine or intelligent tutor, allowing it to be controlled in any manner that the training task requires. Producing solutions such as VESDK does not come without its challenges. “Our industry has a habit of getting enamored by shiny things,” said Ariotti. “While commercialized game rendering packages produce very pretty pictures, it is only the last phase in developing a complete virtual maintenance trainer. Success or failure of a maintenance training program is dictated by the efficiency in the production and management of the entire virtual environment development process; that includes automated requirements analysis, content development, automated builds and automated regression testing, not just the rendering of the final picture.” One of the major advantages of virtual maintenance training is its mobility. Ariotti said training should be something you do, not a place you go. To that end, Disti has produced various solutions allowing users to take training with them. For example, the Virtual Engine Shop is an application that can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store for the iPad. Once downloaded, the content resides on the system so the trainee can access the materials in any type of environment. This application type is best suited for part task level maintenance training on an engine or landing gear. Another option that is rapidly becoming accessible to mobile platforms is server-side rendering. “In this use, a mainframe, for lack of a better word, is doing the rendering of the 3-D application and streaming the rendering to the user’s device in very much the same way as a Netflix movie,” said Ariotti. “However, in this case the movie is completely interactive. This technology is ideal for larger scale platform level maintenance www.MT2-kmi.com
One of three full size aircraft maintenance trainers for curriculum usage. They are currently configured as Block “B” MV-22’s. [Photo courtesy of Marines Training and Education Command]
Disti’s large library of support equipment is constantly expanding to include new pieces allowing maintainers to use their favorite gear, like this multi-meter, in the virtual environment. [Photo courtesy of Disti]
SCALABLE MAINTENANCE TRAINING Customized Solutions to Meet Your Needs
Desktop
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trainers where the application is too big, or rendering intensive, for today’s mobile devices.” He added that the cost to develop highly interactive 3-D maintenance environments will continue to come down as industry refines the process of creating these environments. As a result, these types of training devices will propagate beyond the traditional DoD arena. Accessibility will also increase as mobile platforms become even more capable of client-side rendering. Coupled with this will be the expansion of the cloud-based delivery mechanisms allowing content developers to choose which delivery mechanism works best for their business model. Training providers could choose to have content accessible to their users regardless of their connectivity, or they could choose a cloud-based solution that offers instant access to the latest materials. Kratos Defense, based in San Diego, Calif., is a specialized national security technology business providing mission critical products, services and solutions for U.S. national security priorities. They provide a full spectrum of aviation maintenance training devices, from classroom training, desktop training, computer-based training, bench training, maintenance trainers and full scale hands-on trainers to fully simulated maintenance trainers. Solutions are targeted to the student’s skill level, knowledge and abilities required to achieve the required maintenance tasks. Maintenance expertise is built from merging mental knowledge, visual recognition and the physical dexterity to accomplish the task at hand, said Brian Cullen, deputy program manager, Kratos Defense. This can be locating, identifying and replacing a single component, or troubleshooting and replacing a major system such as a transmission. “It is imperative to build the trainee’s knowledge through a progression that starts with basic maintenance principles, progresses to an understanding of system and platBrian Cullen form knowledge, and advances to
Using the augmented reality function in the Kratos software, trainees can ‘see’ the platform’s internal systems and components, accentuating their understanding. [Photo courtesy of Kratos Defense]
teaching the physical requirements necessary to develop the mind muscle memory required to complete the task,” said Cullen. Cullen added that a foremost concern of the military is how to efficiently and cost-effectively maintain concurrency between training systems and aviation platforms over the platform’s life cycle. To address this, Kratos has evolved a software structure known as the trainer application framework (TAF), whereby the functional components of all training software share a common underlying structure and interface methodology. This maximizes standardization and promotes the reuse of software components across training systems, whether for interactive multi-media instruction (IMI) or hands-on hardware trainers. For example, when a UH-60 Black Hawk cockpit component such as the flight management system control-display unit is upgraded, the training software requires only a one-time change for it to be applied to all training devices (maintenance, aircrew or flight) for that aircraft configuration. This eliminates the need for numerous program updates. It also reduces the design and development time for the trainer, and minimizes the concurrency management costs over the platform’s life cycle. Kratos has also developed an implementation of augmented reality. This mimics the actions of an X-ray machine, which shows
Embedded training Training wherever and whenever you need it Your trainer is your vehicle Stand alone precision gunnery training and networked combat training
Optical vision blocks view, out-of-the-hatch view and dismounted view via HMD Ready for mission rehearsal and decision support | www.kmwsim.com |
the various system features internal to the platform. For example, as part of their IMI, a trainee holding up a tablet in front of the trainer or aircraft would see a graphic overlay revealing the internal hydraulic control system, electrical and other components in cutaway fashion. Locked by positional reference, the view or perspective changes as the trainee moves the tablet. The image is “filtered” based on the area of the student’s interest to enhance his understanding. Because this software functionality is based on the common TAF, it can be used across multiple computing platforms and different types of handheld devices. Heartwood Inc. is a San Mateo, Calif.-based developer of 3-D interactive virtual training that accelerates user learning, reduces operation and maintenance training costs and decreases the need for expensive live training. Heartwood’s technology makes training visual, interactive and portable. The interactive learning content provides a modern day alternative to training manuals, videos and hands-on experience that enables the user to ‘learn by doing’ virtually, said Raj Raheja, CEO, Heartwood Inc. “Our customers build, repair, operate and maintain their products by deploying 3-D interactive training solutions anytime, anywhere, on any platform—Web, personal computer (PC), mobile and tablets,” said Raheja. Raheja added that training applications are typically deficient in three areas. First, they are designed as ‘next-step’ PowerPoint style courses, with the student expected to learn by just seeing and reading. Second, they are developed for the PC or in some cases, the Web. Mobile devices and tablets are an afterthought. Lastly, they are designed as cluttered Windows-era applications with unintuitive interfaces and multiple dropdown menus. With the “learn by doing” attitude, Heartwood’s applications enRaj Raheja able the user to train by replicating the equipment in form and function. raj@hwd3d.com
Sample of Heartwood’s virtual maintenance training application. [Photo courtesy of Heartwood Inc.]
They perform the procedure themselves, with a final scorecard and evaluation. This 3-D interactive training is authored once and accessible via any device (PC, tablets and mobile) and within a Web browser. This portable, scalable and modular style of training also reduces the need for desktop simulator training devices that can be expensive, generally immovable, and require the logistics of travel and scheduling of students in batches. “Our 3-D interactive training is entirely customizable, so depending on the course requirements from our customer, we typically deploy lessons in the form of familiarization courses, procedural courses, and fault isolation and advanced trouble shooting,” said Raheja. He added that Heartwood is currently releasing testing and evaluation modes that will record data such as errors made, number of hints requested, and overall scoring. This way the students can re-take the assessment and gauge the progress they are making over time. O
For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea at briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com.
TRAINING & SIMULATION Wegmann USA, Inc., Training & Simulation mailto: simulation@wegmannusa.com Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG, Training & Simulation mailto: info@kmwsim.com
Mitigating the threat of improvised explosive devices to the warfighter.
By Henry Canaday, MT2 Correspondent
manufacturing firm. First, nearly all route-clearance Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been the gear went directly to theater, leaving little for training major threat, or among the major threats, in both Iraq at home. Second, much equipment was heavy or opand Afghanistan. IEDs are likely to be similarly imporerated at frequencies that interfered with commercial tant in any future conflict that U.S. forces clearly domisystems, so use was restricted in the United Steates nate in conventional terms. Third, most engineers are in the Reserves, with limited A wide range of technologies have been developed access to equipment. So C-IED training tended to be to deal with IEDs. But even the best tools are useless a high-risk, non-standard mission performed with spewithout thorough training in both threats and councialized equipment in theater. termeasures. This is a point well understood at the De Graff said these challenges created training Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization gaps only partially filled by using surrogate vehicles (JIEDDO). Christian de Graff at mobilization stations and combat training centers. Counter-IED (C-IED) training is a collaborative effort, involving JIEDDO’s C-IED Operations Inte- christian.degraff@faac.com The Army wanted a virtual training system so soldiers could train the way they fight. gration Center Training Integration Division, its Joint Expeditionary In May 2011, the Army selected FAAC to supply the VCTS. VCTS Team and Joint Center of Excellence, the Asia Pacific Counter-IED Fuis a mobile system housed in four 53-foot semi-trailers. One trailer sion Center, the Army C-IED Integration Cell and Marine Corps Engihas the instructor/operator station, after-action review and classroom neer School’s Explosive Obstacles Hazards Branch. space. Another trailer has simulators for mine-protected clearance In all, 34 training programs are part of pre-deployment C-IED vehicles like the Buffalo. The two other trailers contain two medium training. Some of them include a 10-day Dismounted Counter-IED mine-protected vehicles like the Panther with gunner station, one Tactics Master Trainer, a three- to five-day Advanced Analytics Provehicle-mounted mine detector and one man-transportable robotic gram, 80 hours each on intermediate search, route reconnaissance system. and clearance and handheld detector certification, 40 hours each of VCTS was developed through a partnership of PEO STRI, the Macounter explosive hazards-planner and area clearance, six months for neuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood, the Edgemine detection dogs, five days on advance situational awareness, and wood Chemical Biological Center at Aberdeen and FAAC. The first of one-day courses on counter-radio controlled devices. 28 suites were delivered in July 2012. Four VCTSs are now in Germany, Korea and Hawaii, and the others are in the continental United States. Electronic Warfare Each VCTS has 140 individual and group training scenarios. Instructors can generate new scenarios, induce faults and modify enviC-IED aids are critical, including handheld detectors and portable ronmental effects like wind, fog, smoke, dust, rain and snow to vary equipment. C-IED training uses biometrics, the handheld interagency training conditions. De Graff said this increases complexity and preidentity detection equipment and secure electronic enrollment kit. vents soldiers from handling VCTS too easily. A scenario generation Counter radio warfare uses the C-IED jammers Duke V3 and Thor III, tool also enables instructors to modify enemy tactics and procedures and handheld devices include metal detectors Gizmo and Minehound, as these evolve in real combat. as well as the Holley Stick pole to search dirt. Other useful technoloVCTS trains on driving skills, digging and probing for IEDs with gies are vehicle mounted mine detectors, virtual clearance training Buffalo’s interrogation arm, using crew-served weapons, and detonatsuites (VCTSs) and the Visual Improvised Explosive Device Signature ing IEDs with Talon robots. Husky operators can learn IED detection Detection System. and marking. JIEDDO said simulating IED threats realistically is one of the most VCTS also teaches crew coordination and communication and difficult parts of C-IED training. And more training could be done for unit tactics, techniques and procedures. One VCTS can do both indipartner nations. Finally, JIEDDO wants to institutionalize the C-IED vidual and group training simultaneously. Up to 24 soldiers can train lessons and skills acquired in the past decade. in trailers two to four while up to 40 personnel plan missions in the Private firms have been active in many phases of C-IED training. first trailer. “The Army faced several challenges in conducting C-IED route Inert Products offers functional and static IED training aids. These clearance training,” said Christian de Graff, business development aids include package bombs, domestic pressure cookers and AK-47 manager of FAAC (Fabbrica Automatismi Apertura Cancelli), an Italian 8 | MT2 19.5
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magazine booby traps, to name a few. These can be visual mock-ups or fully functional IED training systems, which can be customized to fit a client’s needs. “These training aids are used worldwide to aid in the recognition and detection of harmful IEDs,” said Donald Buza, president of Inert Products. “We also offer posters and videos for this effort. When something new is used we can quickly design and produce a replica to be used to meet the challenges of the emerging threat. We also manufacture many other replicas such as inert ordnance and munitions, replica weapons, and a variety of kits used by all branches of service and other government agencies.” Buza added that a challenge in developing this type of technology is that IEDs are an evolving threat and the tactics of those who use them are constantly changing. “Hopefully it [counter-IED technology] will become more standardized,” said Buza. “We may never be able to replicate every possible scenario or device, but we must do all we can to ensure that regardless of location all personnel receive the same base level of training.” Don Buza Inert Products plans to release a new Penalty Box, which has its donbuza@inertproducts.com own siren or can serve as a bridge to function with other reporting systems currently in use. Penalty Boxes alert trainees to IEDs that detonate while training. They also plan to release a new propane/oxygen blast simulator. Another firm, A-T Solutions, delivers intelligence, technology, training and mission support for counterterrorism. It offers C-IED Dennis Kelly training, instructor training and curriculum development, accord- denniskelly@a-tsolutions.com ing to President Dennis Kelly. A-T courses include classrooms, live scenarios and role-playing to fully experience the IED environment and understand how enemies think. Technology-enabled blended and distributed learning train both military personnel and others, including law enforcement. Kelly said experience and real-time intelligence allow A-T to rapidly deliver both courses and devices for each training objective. “Most significant and distinctive ... is deep and current subject matter expertise about the relentless and ever-changing terrorist threat.” Kelly added A-T now has the greatest concentration of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and C-IED experts in the private sector. The company has helped more than 200 customers in more than 40 nations. Late in 2013, A-T acquired GreenLine Systems, giving it new capabilities in maritime security, risk management and cross-border movement of ships, goods and people. The company will soon release important software upgrades for its data collection toolkit (DCT). This DCT enables commanders and on-site teams to maintain situational awareness, and is available in mobile, Web and client versions. Don Schmidt, senior vice president of Cyalume, which provides tactical and training solutions, explained that his firm’s training www.MT2-kmi.com
Probing potential IEDs with the mine protected clearance vehicle interrogation arm. [Photo courtesy of FAAC Inc./by Mark Deroo]
solutions include devices that simulate 155 mm and 120 mm rockets, pipe, bombs, bomb vests for suicide bombers and training grenades. “All create a loud explosion and smoke. The device pops a smoke signature and anyone within a certain radius will know if he would be killed or be a casualty.” Called non-pyrotechnic explosion simulation, Cyalume devices can be buried in the ground and detonated remotely with wireless controls. Though they create shock effects, the devices are perfectly safe. Even soldiers standing directly over the exploding device will not be hurt. Cyalume also provides staff who participate in multicultural role-playing to train National Guard units at Fort Hood in defeating IEDs. These staff speak local languages, such as Arabic or Pashtu.
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And Cyalume partners with other training firms, such as Cubic and Saab, on C-IED training. Tactical Electronics provides products and training for explosive ordnance disposal to law enforcement and the military. It was founded to provide EOD operators and special operators the training and tools needed to excel in real-world challenges. It offers 18 C-IED courses and an extensive line of EOD tools and camera systems, noted Vice President of Training Scott Waterman. The curriculum includes 10 training courses for military EOD operators and law-enforcement bomb technicians, with other courses oriented to other organizations. Courses include IED electronics and circuit diagnostics, manual neutralization techniques, vehicle access and alarms, K-9 odor imprinting and many others. These courses are available in Oklahoma, Virginia or via mobile training team at locations chosen by each client. Tactical Electronics designs training aids to enhance skills of EOD opScott Waterman erators. It custom-builds these aids to waterman@ mimic IEDs realistically. Waterman tacticalelectronics.com said designers constantly evaluate IED trends to develop highly authentic training aids. The company also offers a large selection of EOD tools and kits based on user feedback. Wireless cameras give operators visual access into packages, rooms and suspect IEDs. The video is transmitted wirelessly to wristmounted or handheld monitors. Tactical’s wireless camera systems include Dan Brockway video fiberscopes with working channels, handheld inspection tools, pole dbrockway@mak.com cameras, K-9 cameras and under-door cameras. The company currently supports training in special operations commands and other defense units, in addition to law-enforcement agencies. Waterman emphasized that Tactical Electronics customizes each training curriculum for the client’s requirements. He believes his firm has an edge due to a large staff of full-time trainers. Tactical instructors have more than 90 years of combined professional experience. Tactical recently developed an Advanced Threat Assessment course and is developing an IED awareness train-the-trainer course. The Marines use VT MÄK’s Enhanced Company Operations Simulation (ECOSim) to train captains two weeks prior to deployment in Afghanistan, noted Marketing Vice President Dan Brockway. “ECOSim trains IED-defeat missions by simulating sophisticated human networks of financiers, bomb makers, safe houses, leaders and emplacers.” These IED networks operate against a backdrop of civilian behavior such as farming, children attending school and families going to marketplaces, and religious services. ECOSim offers ease-of-use, rapid scenario generation and realistic human simulation. It is the fruit of five years of collaboration between the Marines, JIEDDO and VT MÄK. A Marine can be trained in 10 minutes to operate the system to command searches, patrols and 10 | MT2 19.5
U.S. Marine Corps Tactical Operations Group using Enhanced Company Operations Simulation. [Photo courtesy of VT MÄK]
Soldiers training with an Inert Products’ replica 155 mm artillery projectile improvised explosive device. [Photo courtesy of Inert Products]
detentions while monitoring intelligence data provided by unmanned systems and cameras. Brockway said the Air Force Special Operations Command also makes heavy use of human simulation for training in manned and unmanned reconnaissance. For example, noticing the walking behavior of men carrying 155 mm rounds is important in sorting out targets. All this is made possible by VT MÄK’s DI-Guy Artificial Intelligence (AI), which can create autonomous, terrain-aware characters that navigate intelligently. The military uses DI-Guy AI to author IED network and emplacement logic easily and flexibly. VT MÄK’s new DIGuy 13.0 has opposing force appearances from many hot spots around the world, increased speed for crowds of thousands and many other enhancements. Another VT MÄK technology, VR-Forces, is a complete simulation solution, offering a powerful and flexible Computer Generated Forces platform that fills virtual training environments with urban terrain, battlefield situations, maritime scenarios and activities in these environments. CACI International was one of four companies recently awarded a blanket purchase agreement with a total potential value of $408 million to support JIEDDO training. CACI has worked with JIEDDO since 2006. CACI Chief Operating Officer John Mengucci said asymmetric warfare is becoming more common and his firm has proven experience in helping defense units deal with it. SAIC was among the three other companies included in the BPA award. O
For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea at briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com.
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Special Section
The Here, The Now and The Future Lieutenant Colonel Gregory “Gator” Gatrell, assistant project manager, Combined Arms Tactical Trainers, Program Executive Office Simulations, Training & Instrumentation (PEO STRI) / Games for Training and Emerging Technologies, discusses serious games with Military Training Technology. Q: What is the primary benefit of serious games?
financial costs, and are in addition to the taxation costs for the training personnel at each unit. The coordination time-bandit steals time needed for overseeing other events, so when utilizing simulation training, I trust that dollars and time costs are decreased. Q: Does the Army plan to implement any programs, policies or solutions in regards to serious games in 2014 or 2015?
A: Although the term “primary” signifies “one most Lt. Col. Gregory A: Army Games for Training’s Product Director John important,” I must say I can think of two equally wor“Gator” Gatrell Matthews is currently testing the latest version of thy benefits, so “co-primary” benefits, if you will: less VBS3 (Virtual Battle Space 3), which will provide added capabilities cost and less waste. Gaming simulation for training offers fiscal savand increased realism to this enjoyable, serious game. Games-forings over sole, live-training use. I fully believe this is due to the comTraining is the flag-ship contract used to support serious gaming soplementary nature that simulated and live training maintains with lutions to military warfighters. respect to the sending of an actual live round, missile or tank downrange. The use of gaming simulations to replicate these live training Q: How do you see serious gaming technology evolving over the opportunities allows learning to occur without expending defense next five years? dollars on individuals and crews that have not yet proven themselves (waste avoidance). Early and often use of gaming simulations (during A: The Army will continue to leverage the commercial world’s deall phases of training: crawl, walk and run) further allows not only velopment and innovations for serious gaming technologies, utiliznew servicemembers, but more experienced soldiers to operate in the ing primarily commercial off-the-shelf and government off-the-shelf most realistic virtual reality training setting possible. gaming products to meet its future gaming requirements. Simulated environments, near-live mission rehearsals, use of I asked our Deputy Director for Engineering (Virtual) Robert Parsimulated weapons and range engagements all add increased exporish for a more technical spin on this question, and he said, “Cursure, experience and proficiency when it comes to executing in live rently, the Army has future plans to define an open/modular technitraining events. The way I see it, “serious gaming” is not only a cost cal framework that will be game engine agnostic, which will allow preservative of valuable training funds, but again, further complithe Army to take full advantage of the numerous gaming products. ments live training events with the production of more first-time This framework will enable the Army’s future insertion of key gamqualifiers and continued training sustainment. ing technology areas such as high fidelity terrain/models/behaviors, To add to cost savings, as technology advances, simulation costs artificial intelligence, virtual humans and intelligent tutoring.” should trend lower and gaming functionality (visual and physical) Parrish continued, “The Army is considering the use of gaming will become even more lifelike, whereas the cost to purchase and/ technologies to support the high fidelity rendering and visualization or maintain a tank, plane or ship will likely increase. Field environfor the future virtual trainers. In the future, the Army will expand the ment training costs, i.e., transportation costs, equipment usage rates, use of serious gaming technologies to support other warfighter funcroutine/scheduled parts replacement, lubricant and petroleum, amtions such as fire support, close air support and human dimension. munition, and leasing Port-O-Johns are but a few areas of cost to To support these future training environments, the Army requires consider when coordinating live training in most field environments. serious games to be more scalable in order to support individual, Not with gaming. I cannot say I’ve conducted a complete analysis small-unit and large-scale training scenarios. In the Army’s future, on the differences in training costs (and coordination time), but in serious gaming will take on even a larger role as technologies mature my experience, simulation training provides the most “bang” for the and as budgets shrink.” O defense buck. Above I hinted at the benefit of gaming over live training—there For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea is a heavy load placed on staff personnel who have to plan and conduct at briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives all the prior coordination when training live (coordinating Port-Ofor related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com. Johns was always a favorite). Simulation and live training have their www.MT2-kmi.com
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Special Section
Serious gaming plays a critical role in maintaining operational readiness for the warfighter, and the developers who provide these solutions are consistently using innovative technologies to meet the needs of our military.
Adayana Advanced Simulation Technology Inc.
AEgis Technologies Del Beilstein Vice President of Business Development AEgis develops serious games for a variety of applications, made possible by the company’s background in high-fidelity modeling and immersive visualization, experience with game engines and a variety of training programs. 256-922-0802 dbeilstein@aegistg.com Alelo Inc.
Alion Science and Technology Bill Culbertson Assistant Vice President Are you seeking better learning outcomes? Alion’s training games can ensure deeper content engagement for recruits, sailors, and air-crew teams. Decades of experience and award-winning solutions add up to real-world, measurable results. 757-857-5670 ext. 284 wculbertson@alionscience.com
Aptima combines real-time performance measurement technology for games with deep expertise in how humans think and learn to improve human performance and ensure mission success. We turn games into training. 202-552-6117 paley@aptima.com
AVT Simulation Rick Easton Sr. Vice President of Operations AVT Simulation is bridging the gap between legacy PC-based image generators and game-engine technologies for visual scene generation in both small and large gaming arenas. 407-381-5311 reaston@avtsim.com
Bohemia Interactive Simulations Pete Morrison Co-Chief Executive Officer Bohemia Interactive Simulations is a global software company that develops high-fidelity, cost-effective technologies for tactical military training. We apply game-based technology to a range of militaryspecific training and simulation software. 407-608-7000 marketing@bisimulations.com CACI Calytrix Technologies
Human-Centered Engineering
Camber Corporation Carney Inc.
Aptima Michael J. Paley Chief Executive Officer
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Caspian Learning
CHI Systems Inc. Thomas Santarelli Director of Training CHI Systems specializes in advanced development of game- and simulation-based training solutions using immersive learning, intelligent tutors, augmented reality, synthetic agents and haptics utilizing assessment, feedback and learning management techniques. 215-542-1400 ext. 125 tsantarelli@chisystems.com
Creative Technologies Inc. James Korris President Creative Technologies Inc. conceives, designs and develops novel, immersive simulation systems, ranging from mobile to institutional. Our team is drawn from the Los Angeles entertainment talent pool, delivering consistently polished and compelling projects. 323-472-6204 james.korris@cretecinc.com Crew Training International Inc.
Cubic Advanced Learning Solutions Bill Rebarick General Manager Cubic Advanced Learning Solutions (CALS) blends the Art of Gaming and the Science of Learning with innovative technologies and methods to achieve lasting, cost-effective learning. 407-859-7410 ext. 1503 bill.rebarick@cubic.com www.MT2-kmi.com
Disti
Sealund & Associates Corporation
Engineering & Computer Simulations
Simformotion LLC
GameSim
SIMmersion LLC Simthetiq Sonalysts Stottler Henke Associates Inc.
Havok Cory Kumm Worldwide Director of Military & Simulation Havok is an Intel-owned company and a leading provider of 3-D visualization technology that is used by leading integrators to prototype and develop highfidelity 3-D simulations. 415-543-4620 cory.kumm@havok.com
Heartwood George Landis Director, Business Development Heartwood empowers companies and organizations to accelerate user learning, reduce Operation & Maintenance training costs and decrease the need for expensive live training by deploying 3-D Interactive Training solutions anytime, anywhere, on any platform—Web, PC, mobile and tablets. 888-781-0274 ext. 701 solutions@hwd3d.com
Sundog Software LLC Frank Kane Chief Executive Officer Sundog Software creates middleware for real-time environmental effects. Our SilverLining Sky, 3D Cloud, Weather SDK and Triton Ocean SDK provide simulation-quality fidelity with game-quality graphics and performance. 425-635-8683 fkane@sundog-soft.com Ternion Corporation Vcom3D Inc.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Virtual Heroes Randy Brown Virtual Heroes Division Manager For 10 years, Virtual Heroes has been designing immersive, virtual-world-based serious games and Advanced Learning Technology (ALT) applications. Our applications are powered by the award-winning Unreal Technology. 919-747-7603 randy.brown@virtualheroes.com
Laser Shot Inc.
Visual Purple LLC
IBM Interactive Data Visualization Janus Research Corporation Inc. JHT Inc.
Lockheed Martin Mymic Northrop Grumman Quantum3D
Science Applications International Corporation James J. Jackson Vice President Service Line Manager Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) develops gaming solutions for effective training, education and interactive experimentation. SAIC leverages open source and commercial platforms to provide rapid and cost-effective life-cycle solutions, from game design and development to deployment services. 757-459-6450 james.j.jackson@saic.com
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VT MÄK Dan Brockway Vice President of Marketing VT MÄK specializes in serious technology for serious games: game-quality graphics, scalable simulation from aggregates to intelligent human characters, modern Web and mobile technologies, connections to established simulation systems, and streaming terrain alternatives. 972-239-5490 dbrockway@mak.com Waraming.net WILL Interactive Inc.
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DATA PACKETS Real-Time Performance Dashboard for LVC Training Exercises While instructors conduct aviation simulation exercises, they can also miss a good portion of them. Occupied by a variety of tasks, they may not know how trainees are performing until well after the event has concluded. If pilots rely on dashboards for real-time visibility into flight status, shouldn’t instructors managing simulations have a tool to monitor and measure trainee performance during those events to maximize their teaching value? To address that gap, Aptima is developing the Optimized Real-time Complex Information Display (ORCID) that collects, analyzes and displays simulator data in real time. Funded by the Naval Air Systems Command, ORCID provides instructors with key insights on trainee performance and their learning objectives during the exercise. Aptima, which applies expertise in how humans learn, perform and behave, is developing ORCID in partnership with the University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Laboratory through a small business technology transfer contract. Currently, the Navy has no fielded solution that displays trainee performance assessments in real time for distributed live, virtual and constructive (LVC) exercises, such as Fleet Synthetic Training. The current method for an instructor to assess trainee performance during simulation requires manually calculating various assessments in their head while taking hand-written notes. ORCID automates the performance measurement process, giving instructors at-a-glance real-time diagnostic measures from which they can teach during the exercise to improve training. “Simulators capture an abundance of raw data that goes largely unused until the after action review, when the context of the live event has been lost,” said Matt Roberts, Aptima’s director of product engineering and ORCID principal investigator. “By gaining insights as the exercise is occurring, instructors
can teach trainees in key moments when performance may be dropping. Just as pilots rely on dashboards for navigation, ORCID’s intelligent displays can give instructors the immediate feedback to better guide trainee learning and direct the training mission for their objectives.” Aptima has developed a functional prototype of ORCID for the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, for use with the MH-60 Romeo simulator platform. In a sub-hunting exercise, for example, where trainees must locate and prosecute submarines using sonar sensors and torpedoes, the instructor may need to assess the trainee’s competence on criteria such as coordination and communication with ground control and other assets. While the instructor is involved in role-playing and managing the synthetic entities, ORCID’s Navy Aviation Simulation Master Plan-compliant technology is ingesting the raw simulation data that’s being generated, its algorithms analyzing and assessing the individual and crew level performance. Those measures are fed into a display on the instructor’s workstation, where red-green-orange color-coded blips on the scenario timeline give the instructor at-a-glance cues and alerts on the trainee’s performance. Using that feedback, instructors can then can deliver in-the-moment teaching, or adjust the scenario on the fly if it’s deviating from established learning objectives. In addition, ORCID’s geographic map displays provide overall situational awareness for the numerous components and participants in a distributed LVC exercise. ORCID’s measures and timeline can also be used in after action reviews, allowing drill down to specific measures from the exercise and syncing to the replay. Matt Roberts; mroberts@aptima.com
New Cyber Training System Scalable Network Technologies Inc. (Scalable), a provider of network virtualization technology for planning, testing and training, recently announced the release of Network Defense Trainer (NDT) cyber training system. NDT integrates realistic cyber effects into physical/kinetic mission planning and mission rehearsal exercises. Trainees learn to effectively execute their roles in a mission despite being under various types of cyber-attacks. Network engineers and operations planners can investigate different network configurations and functional procedures for optimizing mission objectives. Training exercises can include both wired and wireless elements, such as radios, satellites, sensors and mobile data devices, and accurately represent vulnerabilities in the network transport fabric as well as the servers, applications and end-points. NDT is an LVC cyber training system. The U.S. military has been transitioning to LVC integrated architectures over the last several years for all of its operational training programs. The release of NDT marks the first time that cyber training is available in this manner, offering the opportunity to create a single training environment that encapsulates the land, sea, air and space, and cyber domains. “Both military and commercial environments have used simulation-based training systems for many years with great success, due their inherent flexibility and cost-effectiveness,” stated Rajive Bagrodia, Scalable founder and chief technology officer. “More recently, there have been a number of major initiatives to 14 | MT2 19.5
deploy sophisticated cyber ranges to teach ‘cyber warriors’ about the principles and mechanics of cyber-attacks and cyber defense. Our new cyber training system integrates the two disciplines for the first time. Whatever the primary training objectives may be in a training simulator, trainees can now also experience realistic cyber effects as part of that process. This adds an important new dimension of realism and enables trainees to gain vital skills.” One of the first users of NDT needed to add high fidelity cyber effects to a number of existing combat training systems in order to effectively gauge the impact on situational awareness. Trainees are evaluated on their ability to recognize when they are under various forms of cyber-attack and to successfully work around the issues and complete their objectives. The results of a set of exercises are then analyzed to determine if changes to standard operating procedures are warranted. Another of the NDT field trial sites and now a production environment is the University of Delaware in Newark, N.J. “We are currently building a series of exercises in NDT to support an undergraduate class entitled ‘Simulation-based Cybersecurity’ that will be offered this fall,” said Professor Chien-Chung Shen of the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Delaware. Tim Lee-Thorp; tleethorp@scalable-networks.com www.MT2-kmi.com
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
COTS-Based Ground Vehicle Driving Simulator To build this prototype—the first of its kind—D-Box worked with some of its core technology partners and leveraged the expertise of standardsdriven leaders of the modelling and simulation community. The user will experience a highly advanced simulation engine that generates true-to-life movement, an accurate visualization solution, a complex, realistic training scenario, and a precise and practical motion platform that provides the most reliable kinesthetic cues to the trainee Based on the U.K.’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), which demonstrated that students trained in driving simulators obtained the same skills in the same time as students trained in actual vehicles, D-Box and its partners worked on a fully integrated commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based multi-platform simulator.
The DSTL study revealed that COTS software is in all likelihood the most suitable option in terms of maintaining a reasonable training budget. Today, some of the best-performing systems are available off-the-shelf for motion system manufacturers, and can be adapted to basically any simulation and training needs at more affordable prices than ever before. These are all key factors in a decision process that will allow many pilots, operators and drivers to train, while at the same time providing quicker return on investment to the simulator owners. COTS products also provide on-demand availability of the complete system as well as replacement parts as needed. Sébastien Lozé; sloze@d-box.com
New Explosive Effects System
Marine Simulation Software
Improvised Electronics has developed a new portable non-pyrotechnic explosive effects system. The Boom Box packs an incredible 130-decibel punch instantly while easily fitting into your backpack. The Boom Box also resets instantly without the need to reload burst disks or gas cartridges between shots. The system is capable of firing more than 500 times before needing to be refilled. The report is very loud but also produces a pressure wave like you would feel in a real explosion. This adds a layer of realism that can’t be accomplished with existing man-portable systems. The pressure levels from the cannon pose no danger at close distances, unlike larger systems that can pose lethal hazards in close proximity. This makes the system safe for use in shoot houses and inside range buildings. The system employs Improvised Electronics Smart Mesh Technology for communication. The Smart Mesh network is a selfforming network that allows all the devices on a range to act as repeaters. These systems have a 500-meter line of sight range for arm and fire control. The Boom Box was designed with counter-improvised explosive device and explosive ordnance training in mind but is versatile enough for any training environment. The system is optimized to provide instant feedback when triggered by the remote or trigger interface. Users may connect improvised explosive device (IED) triggers to the trigger interface to achieve an instant report when the IED is violated. Existing systems take seconds to fill and alert students to the impending explosion. Warnings like this do not exist on the battlefield and detract from realism. Bill Fiske; bill.fiske@improvisedelectronics.com
Vortex Dynamics 6.2 allows users to create maritime simulations and visualization with underwater vehicles, vessels, and realistic ocean wave and wake rendering; define buoyancy and drag properties for mechanisms; and create ocean environments for top-side and subsea equipment simulations. The new Vortex network module allows users to create integrated multichannel simulations with the Vortex Player. With nodes for synchronized visual channels, networking requires no additional application development, and the integration is seamless.
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New Trainer for Medium Caliber Turret One of Kongsberg’s gunner skill trainers is for the stabilized, high precision Protector Medium Caliber Turret-30 Remote (MCT-30), providing high fidelity training, including the actual control grip, and allowing the trainee to train both weapon and sensor operation. The training system can be configured for several trainees in a network and with one or more instructor stations. The combination of COTS hardware and operational equipment makes this a cost effective and realistic solution. Kongsberg has provided world class training systems and simulators for four decades to the international market. Kongsberg’s products span from scalable classroom and standalone skill trainers to tactical team trainers and complex training centers. Many of the delivered systems include computer-based training, interactive maintenance library and a learning management system. Hans-Marius Enoksen Meland; hans-marius.meland@kongsberg.com
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Airmen Trainer
Q& A
The AETC Recruits, Trains and Educates Airmen to Deliver Airpower for America General Robin Rand Commander Air Education and Training Command General Robin Rand is commander, Air Education and Training Command (AETC), Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. He is responsible for the recruiting, training and education of Air Force personnel. His command includes the Air Force Recruiting Service, a numbered air force and Air University. AETC trains more than 293,000 students per year and consists of 12 bases, more than 62,400 active duty, Reserve, Guard, civilians and contractors, and 1,369 trainer, fighter and mobility aircraft. Rand was commissioned in 1979 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He’s had multiple flying tours; served as an air liaison officer with the U.S. Army; and has had staff tours on the Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense and Air Staff. Rand’s previous commands include the 36th Fighter Squadron, USAF Weapons School, 8th Fighter Wing, 56th Fighter Wing, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and prior to this assignment, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) at DavisMonthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Rand is a command pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours, including more than 470 combat hours. Q: What are the top priorities the Air Education and Training Command faces in the coming year? A: The short answer is to recruit, train and educate airmen to deliver airpower for America. To do that, we must evolve so we can continue providing the most technically proficient, besteducated, and best-trained men and women for our nation’s Air Force. In the recruiting arena, AETC needs to sustain Air Force diversity priorities by attracting the brightest, most competitive and diverse men and women across the nation and abroad with emphasis on strategic initiatives, primarily by expanding our focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Included in our STEM initiatives are ongoing sponsorships of FIRST [For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology] Robotics Championships, Science Olympiads, science and engineering festivals, and the Advancing Minority Interest in Engineering Initiative. We also launched the Air Force Collaboratory, an online venue focusing on three real-world projects with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Special Operations Command, and Air Force Space Command to introduce young men and women to STEM opportunities within the Air Force. Additionally, we recently partnered with Botball, an educational robotics program that focuses on engaging middle and high school aged students in team-oriented robotics competitions. AETC continues to proudly 16 | MT2 19.5
achieve Air Force accessions goals, and in recent years reached historical highs in applicant quality while fully sourcing Air Force requirements in rated and non-rated officers, health professionals, and chaplains. In the training area, Basic Military Training (BMT) is the Air Force’s foundation, every airman’s gateway to success. Our goal for BMT is for it to be the most professionally executed training program in the world. One of the most significant BMT initiatives is the addition of a transition week, expected to begin in early 2015. This final week, immediately following BMT graduation, will prepare our newest airmen to effectively transition from the training environment to operational Air Force. The week will provide an in-depth, interactive setting focused on immersing new airmen in Air Force core values, heritage, dignity, respect and comprehensive airman fitness—an environment where airmen will learn, discuss and demonstrate the leadership, character and resiliency needed for success. In technical training, we are focusing on institutionalizing dignity and respect for all airmen, both students and staff, within the formal training process to prevent unprofessional relationships and sexual assaults. Additionally, we’ll play a vital role in providing formal training to our nuclear force as we bolster their professionalism and expertise. Finally, we’ll seek ways to insert technology and change processes to efficiently and effectively prepare our airmen with the technical skills required. www.MT2-kmi.com
In flying training, to have the best-trained pilots in the world, we need to start down the road of replacing the ever-aging T-38 aircraft with an aircraft that will prepare our pilots to fly fifth-generation aircraft. As such, we are on track to complete our capability development document, which outlines performance and capability requirements for the T-X aircraft, by December 2014. It’s an aggressive schedule, so we’ve been sure to incorporate experts and experience across all Air Force major commands, establish strong relationships with our industry partners, and hold general officer summits to ensure we have integration between our requirements and acquisition professionals. We’re also working hard to develop the air systems and people we need to successfully fly, fight and win well into the 21st century. To that point, AETC is leading the way in training the initial cadre of F-35 pilots and maintainers at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), Fla., keeping the Air Force on course to field the first F-35A operational squadron at Hill AFB, Utah, in 2016. Additionally, Luke AFB, Security Forces airmen plan troop movements for a simulated assault on a town during the Combat Leadership Course. [Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force/by Airman 1st Class Cory D. Payne] Ariz., will be future home of its first internaconcepts, eliminating duplication and respecting airmen’s time. tional flying training unit. Eventually, Luke AFB will be home to Air University has responded by fielding programs that extend 144 F-35A aircraft belonging to eight partner nations. Consoliour reach to deployed airmen. We’ve learned a lot about how to dated training for F-35 pilots from partner nations at Luke is indesign, develop and deliver high quality education at a distance. tended to optimize efficient use of training aircraft and expertise. Now we believe we can leverage our experiences to shift the paraOur primary training for the C-130J at Little Rock AFB, Ark., digm from merely hosting content on a Web page to delivering continues to see expanded production with the addition of aircraft rigorous, active, tailored learning experiences to our airmen. This and simulators to meet future training requirements. In addition, shift is designed to leverage and value both distance learning and we’re striving toward greater efficiencies in how we conduct Cresident PME experiences. 130J training at other locations. For our special mission C-130J We in AETC have the responsibility to access, train and eduaircrew (HC/MC-130J), we’re moving toward consolidating traincate every airman. The Air Force requires world-class active duty, ing for those airframes at Kirtland AFB, N.M., from start to finish. Guard, Reserve and civilian personnel committed to providing the By conducting both initial and mission qualification training at highest level of professionalism in support of our common goal Kirtland using the same type of aircraft (HC or MC-130J), we’ll of U.S. national security. I know that the future of our force will save approximately four months of training per student and $10 depend on the professionalism we develop and instill in our peomillion each year beginning in fiscal year 2016. ple today. We have created a professional development office and Altus AFB, Okla., is scheduled to start receiving new KC-46 manned it with personnel committed to ensuring we have the best refueling aircraft in 2016 as the formal training unit for all KCpossible programs and opportunities going forward. As a service, 46 aircrew. In August, construction will begin for a KC-46 flight we will only be as good as the people who employ our capabilities; training center, fuselage training facility, aircraft maintenance with that in mind, we are committed to developing Air Force perunit and renovations for a squadron operations facility. In addisonnel with the professional mindset, character, and core values tion of the KC-46 training mission, Altus will continue training required to succeed today and well into the future. aircrew on KC-135 Stratotanker and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. I believe that the most effective aspect of professional develSo you can see that huge progress is being made throughout opment rests at the front lines of operations that are truly reAETC, but keep in mind we’re still operating new aircraft, and we sponsible for the development of our airmen. Our front line commust always ensure we operate at the highest levels of safety while manders, first shirts, command chiefs and supervisors understand providing the experience needed for perpetuation. the immense responsibility they have in developing the airmen In terms of educational requirements, the top priority for my entrusted to their authority. Every commander will analyze their “education arm,” the Air University, is the transformation of promethods to improve their mentoring, coaching and character defessional military education (PME). Our experiences with expedivelopment skills. All of our command chiefs and supervisors will tionary operations have emphasized that airmen need access to receive formal education on professional development initiatives education programs wherever they’re stationed. We believe now and become aware of resources for their people. And perhaps most is the time to transform education by delivering a more personimportantly, I have held and will continue to hold every airman alized, career-long approach to PME, incorporating leading-edge www.MT2-kmi.com
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accountable for their professionalism. We will do everything within our power to develop professional airmen who do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason. That will continue to be our single most important priority. Q: Can you give an update on the T-X program? A: In early August, AETC sponsored T-X Industry Days in San Antonio, Texas, to continue ongoing market research activities supporting T-X requirements. This event focused on three main areas: training offload analysis, download analysis and sustainment analysis. Training offload is moving skill development from aircraft to the lowest form of media. For example, [determining whether] we can take training completed in the T-X and move it down to simulator or even computer training. The lower the medium of training, the less cost. Download is the ability to move events from more costly to less costly platA U.S. Air Force survival, evasion, resistance and escape trainee uses a small oxygen tank to breathe underwater while upside forms. It’s expensive to fly the F-16, so when down to help students to learn to control their breathing during a water survival portion of survival, evasion, resistance and we’re able to download the programs in the escape training. [Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force/by Tech. Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III] A: The budget environment has been difficult over the past few T-X, it saves us money while providing the skillsets pilots need. years and has presented challenges to our short- and long-term Finally, sustainment analysis examines what is required to mainoperational effectiveness. The potential impact of the Budget Contain the aircraft, to include parts and airframe. trol Act (BCA) in fiscal year 2016 will present significant challenges to our operations. If the BCA remains in its current state, Q: What have been some of the recent challenges of the T-X we will most likely have to make bold decisions on what we will program replacing the T-38 Talon as the Air Force’s jet trainer? fund because there may not be enough trade space to fully execute our mission requirements. This could also be true of FY15 due A: There are two key factors currently influencing our T-X acquisito the reduced flexibility and uncertainty with the FY15 bill. The tion efforts. First, we need to buy a family of systems that closes long-term effects of the BCA could have negative impacts for years the gaps created by using an aging T-38C to train pilots for fourthto come as it may force us to delay or eliminate critical aspects of and fifth-generation aircraft. Second, we’ve got to make sure the our mission such as training, education, and repair of facilities T-X family of systems affordable. It’s absolutely critical that the and runways. Despite the funding challenges we have faced over T-X closes the gaps the T-38C just can’t fill, even if we poured a the past few years, we have been able to successfully meet all of significant amount of money into the aging trainer. our Air Force production goals in recruiting qualified candidates Fifth-generation pilots fly and fight significantly different and providing training and education to our airmen. Our leaderfrom the way they are forced to train using the T-38. This needs ship has [worked] and continues to work diligently to ensure our to change, particularly as the Air Force moves toward a fifth-genhighest priority requirements are funded first and that deliberate eration fighter force. But we can’t do it at an unaffordable cost. process has been the key to our success. The key to this is leveraging mature technology to drive life cycle costs down. An example of this is using live, virtual, constructive Q: What new programs and initiatives are set to be implemented technology to download training from higher cost platforms to soon? the T-X or offload training to a ground-based training simulation system. We’re also working with our industry partners to underA: As I mentioned, we’ve made significant strides in the developstand what drives their cost, what they can realistically provide, ment of the T-X, the aircraft that will replace our venerable Tand [whether] we can meet the operational need through different 38Cs. The T-X will be more cost effective to fly and maintain, plus approaches. A great example of this is embedded training technolit will provide an easier transition to the advance fighters. Second, ogy, which simulates radar, weapons and threat warning systems we have a new simulator trainer that exposes pilots to the spatial without those systems actually being in the jet. It’s an amazing disorientation they encounter during flight. Spatial disorientacapability that significantly reduces cost. We’re answering the “aftion is one of the major causes of aircraft accidents, so exposing fordability versus capability” question, but we need to do it wisely. pilots to it through realistic training on the ground helps mitigate accidents in the air. Finally, the T-1 Jayhawk avionics obsoQ: Considering the current budget environment, what steps are lescence is being addressed through an avionics suite replacement being taken to maintain operational effectiveness in the long program. term? 18 | MT2 19.5
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Q: How important is AETC’s relationship with industry in an era where technological advancements happen so quickly? A: With quickly evolving technologies, AETC relies heavily on industry partners developing cost effective and creative solutions to our requirements. We invite industry to engage with the command in multiple venues including industry days, capability briefings, and presentations on creative developments in their respective industries. Additionally, AETC partners with other Air Force major commands procuring training platforms that meet emerging training mission requirements, heavily involving industry expertise. A prime example of our partnership with industry is the T-X industry days. Such market research activities help us identify what technologies are available and can be efficiently developed. Opportunities such as the industry day will help us gain an accurate picture of what is possible with the latest technology and associated costs. Q: With conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan winding down, how is the Air Force working with partner nations in other theaters of operation? A: International Training and Education is an enduring AETC mission. Each year, AETC trains over 5,000 international students in AETC schoolhouses and flightlines, including our Defense Language Institute, Euro-NATO Joint Pilot Training and Inter-American Air Force Academy, among others. Next year we will bring Afghan Air Force members to the United States and partner with them to train them on their A-29 aircraft operations. We also support military and language specialists for another 10,000 international students trained in their home countries. As the executive agent for USAF-sponsored international training and education, the director of AETC’s International Training and Education works closely with U.S. security cooperation offices representing over 140 partner nations around the world to identify training requirements, and then matches those requirements to available training quotas. Q: How is the Air Force working to train foreign military units and what is the primary benefit of providing this type of training? A: I can only speak to what we’re doing in AETC. What we do with regards to international training is amazing. Falling almost exclusively under the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act as outlined in Title 22 of the U.S. Code, the majority of AETC’s international training, greater than 95 percent, falls under the legal provisions governing Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or International Military Education and Training, with FMS constituting the bulk. Our goal, first and foremost, is to provide technical expertise to military members from other nations. The United States benefits from these efforts in countless ways, such as increased interoperability between military forces, and often has the effect of allowing other nations to better meet the needs of their political and military leaders. These programs increase the understanding of and appreciation for the United States and the liberties, culture and values we cherish. Perhaps a perfect example is the first-of-its-kind training partnership planned for F-35 operations at Luke AFB. There, the United States and seven other nations—Australia, Norway, Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Canada and www.MT2-kmi.com
the Netherlands—will train together in the same squadron. This is an unprecedented relationship and we are focused on ensuring that, when that first partner pilot arrives at Luke, we are ready for them. Q: What do you see as the biggest changes the AF will go through in the way it trains its airmen over the next five years? A: While this is a challenging time due to BCA, mission costs escalating and an aging training fleet, we will still pursue several initiatives to improve the way AETC provides training. Our Combat System Officer (CSO) program went through major changes four years ago when we consolidated navigator, electronic warfare and weapon system officer pipelines into one generalized pipeline. Feedback from our customers indicates there is a need to add specialized training focused on CSO students’ follow-on assignments. Adding “top-off” training near the end of the program will address this issue. Additionally, we’re working on improvements to our ground-based training systems and simulators in an effort to maximize the use of these less costly platforms. For example, in the T-1 simulator, we’re adding “interactive airport environment” capabilities to better replicate the congested airspace pilots encounter when flying the aircraft. Finally, we’re working on transforming the way we present courseware and flight publications. Students today are used to electronic delivery of courseware; developing and integrating this technology into the way we train will meet student needs while reducing overhead costs. In the next five years we should see delivery of a standardized mobile (tablet-type) platform that is Air Force network compatible. Students will use this to accomplish courseware, study from and even fly with. The days of going into computer labs to accomplish training and issuing of volumes of paper-based material is nearing an end. Related to that, the importance of education cannot be understated. Education prepares an individual to handle unexpected situations, especially those that occur beyond normal experience or expectations. With the ever-changing combat environment, we need to train critical thinkers who not only have solid tactical, strategic and operational mindsets, but also understand and appreciate Air Force heritage and history. Such airmen can intellectually maneuver through complex and ill-defined challenges. Bottom line: Changing how the command recruits, trains and educates airmen is imperative. With a strategic environment characterized by uncertainty, airmen development must include world-class education. There must be greater flexibility in all mission areas. The command focus remains on the life cycle of airmen learning, yet with a shift to online instruction and technology-enhanced classrooms. Q: Is there anything else you would like to say that I have not asked? A: I love my job. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss AETC’s part in our Air Force’s mission. We are the First Command, and our greatest contribution is the trained airmen that we send out to our combatant commanders executing the mission. Despite any challenges we face, I’m confident we will continue to superbly recruit, train and educate the best men and women this country has to offer, to deliver airpower and preserve our nation’s security. O MT2 19.5 | 19
The U.S. military is using gaming for better training results.
By Peter Buxbaum, MT2 Correspondent
“I-GAME is an evolution of current and future capabilities,” The commercial gaming industry in recent years has striven for the highest possible level of fidelity and realism. The said Melissa Tune, a JIEDDO spokesperson. “I-GAME suppleU.S. military, which takes much of its inspiration for simula- ments maneuver unit training on the topics of IED evasion, detection and threat marking.” tion training from gaming, has followed suit. “We have explored different types of virtual realities in the There are several reasons for these developments. For one, studies have shown that the higher levels of fidelity and re- training domain,” said Steven Aguiar, the NUWC Newport technical program manager for virtual worlds alism produce better training results for many, programs. “The primary project at the moment although not necessarily all, training tasks. Anis the virtual schoolhouse.” other reason is that today’s young warfighters Tools developed by the Army’s AGS include have grown up on video gaming. Training them the America’s Army series of games, built to on systems with compromised fidelity, definition achieve the Army’s marketing missions, facilitate and realism would likely produce less-than-optistaffing and teach potential recruits the basics mal training experiences and results. of tactics, teamwork, Army terminology, adaptThe current crop of high-fidelity and immerability, critical thinking, exploration and error sive gaming and training experiences have come recovery. “The America’s Army series shares a to be known as virtual worlds. What charactercommon set of assets and capabilities that are izes these products, from a military training perSteven Aguiar leveraged into an ever-expanding series of prodspective, besides their high level of fidelity and ucts and offerings,” said Jeff Raver, vice president realism, is that they teach warfighters how to of training and simulation at SAIC, which helped deal with the world around them: teamwork with develop the AGS. “A critical component of the their fellows, confrontation with their adversarsuccess of these virtual environments is the aties, and interaction with third parties and the tention to detail in all of these tools. The next environments they may encounter on missions. generation of soldiers is mostly native gamers Organizations from around the U.S. military that intuitively understand the controls, have a have been exploiting these technologies for a high expectation for an advanced level of graphiwide variety of training scenarios. The Joint Imcal fidelity, and already buy into the benefits of provised Explosive Device Defeat Organization virtual exercises contributing to real-world abili(JIEDDO) developed the IED Gaming and ModelJeff Raver ties and successes.” ing Environment, or I-GAME, to supplement live jeffrey.a.raver@saic.com One important characteristic to be found in IED training. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport has been leading an effort over much of the virtual worlds training systems is that they are ofthe last seven years in the exploration and application of virtual ten networked with other systems. That way, different individuworld technologies across the undersea warfare domain. The als and different units can train together, each playing their U.S. Army has established the Army Gaming Studio (AGS) to role in accomplishing a given task or mission, although they use advanced gaming technologies for training and simulation. are physically remote from one another. 20 | MT2 19.5
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The images are rendered using Havok Vision Engine and the characters and animals are from the Rocketbox Libraries Complete Characters HD. Both products are included in the Havok Simulation Framework. [Photo courtesy of Havok]
Virtual reality can be considered a subset, and at the cutting edge, of virtual worlds. Here, trainees are presented a thoroughly immersive training experience in which they are physically moving through a combination of physical and virtual phenomena that make up a unique training environment. “Virtual worlds have been used in the training of dismounted infantry soldiers,” said Jan Bjernfalk, vice president for products at Quantum3D, which developed such a product for the Army. “Multiple squads of soldiers can be networked together and everything is seen through a head-mounted display. The participants can see each other by way of a character generated by computer imagery. There can be enough detail to make the trainees feel like they are there in a particular place in the world executing a mission.” Critical technology advancements in the gaming industry have taken the development of virtual worlds to the next level. “Innovative techniques and inexpensive hardware solutions are driving improvements that are revolutionizing the industry,” said Raver. “Some of these improvements include better hardware capabilities for highfidelity rendering, the development of low-cost graphic processing units, more consumer access to high-performance systems in the home, and standardization across the industry Jan Bjernfalk that provides clear best-practices and facilitates a broader cadre of jbjernfalk@quantum3d.com developers.” These developments have been accompanied by a drastic reduction in the prices of development tools, noted Curtiss Murphy, a technical director at Alion Science and Technology. “High-end engines that used to cost $1 million are now $20,” he said. “The democratization of the development process has brought about an incredible range of development.” Curtiss Murphy Still, other technology develcmurphy@alionscience.com opments have contributed to the www.MT2-kmi.com
The Virtual Maintenance Performance Aid training game was developed by Alion to improve shipboard maintenance skills and has been adapted to enable student readiness control officers on littoral combat ships to practice damage control, tactical team training and force protection. [Photo courtesy of Alion]
proliferation of virtual reality. “One is the development of ultra-high resolution displays,” said Peter Schlueer, president of WorldViz. “A second is the advancements that have been made in motion and gesture tracking. The third is the massive advancements in off-the-shelf computing capabilities. All these have converged to allow the virtual reality military training possibilities that can be deployed at low cost and with very high visual fidelity and interactivity.” “Military training technologies need to address repeatability and standardization,” added Brian Rossini, a software development manager at WorldViz. “Virtual reality is uniquely capable of delivering these. Virtual reality systems can be programmed for repeat exposure to a scenario. They can require the trainee to run through a protocol or checklist. Their activities, interactions and speech can all be analyzed to provide real-time feedback.” The ability for developers to create independent of the hardware platform has led to an entire genre of Open World games where development studios compete with each other to create ever-expanding and more realistic immersive environments. “Technology enhancements have also created a greater ability to deploy virtual environments to the point of need,” said Raver. “This is facilitated by the proliferation of efficient communications transport means and the development of user platforms able to take advantage of these technology developments.” The U.S. military is benefiting from advancements, such as interactivity and the quality of the simulations that have been made in games. “Using physics-based technologies assures that the simulation has the realism and accuracy of the physical elements of the scene that the military requires,” said Cory Kumm, director of military and simulation at Cory Kumm Havok. “Extending gaming from the cory.kumm@havok.com entertainment side to the military MT2 19.5 | 21
side involves adapting military standards to the game technology. Incorporating industry standard protocols and file formats such as Open Flight that have been adopted by the military make it easy for the military to use the technology.” The thrust of JIEDDO’s development of I-GAME is rapid scenario creation, according to Tune. “It was designed to teach soldiers how to perform specific tactics, techniques and procedures, and to use equipment in a variety of situations, such as mounted and dismounted scenarios,” she said. “It was built from the ground up using the Unreal Engine 3, a physics-based 3-D modeling and visualization environment.” I-GAME allows for instructors to plan training missions and experiment with what-if scenarios. “It also allows users to play scenarios in single-player or multi-player modes,” said Tune. “I-GAME reinforces proper equipment usage and installation prior to field use. It features high resolution terrain for proper ground sign awareness training and visualization of antenna models of counter-IED equipment while in the game.” Unlike other simulation training tools, I-GAME was specifically designed to supplement hands-on training for IED awareness, prevention and mitigation; operation of equipment; and dismounted patrol movement within an IED threat environment. “The I-GAME interface and experience is similar to commercial off-the-shelf games for entertainment,” said Tune. “Generation X and Millennial soldiers have a short learning curve, and I-GAME’s interface mirrors a virtual environment that they are already comfortable operating within.” Scheduled for a September 2014 release are additional game modes for post-IED blast and post detection, dynamic lighting for changes in time of day, and improved metrics tracking. NUWC Newport’s virtual schoolhouse came about to ensure that all of trainees receive top-notch instruction. “We want all of our trainees to be taught by the best instructors, but we can’t put them in every location where we need them,” said Aguiar. “The current approach is to fly students to locations to access the best training. In the future, we want to deliver the same quality of information and the same access to tactical trainers and the best instructors without them having to fly to other locations. We need distance learning capabilities with sufficient fidelity to meet our high standards.” NUWC’s virtual trainer connects the student to the actual tactical system being trained on, although they may be thousands of miles apart. “What’s most important is that we are not simulating the tactical system,” said Aguiar. “We are giving the student access to a real trainer without having to leave their home port. They enjoy pixelfor-pixel fidelity and complete interactive control. Several students operating several different tactical trainer work stations and talk to each other, look at each others’ displays and are under the supervision of a single instructor although they are in different locations.” The virtual trainer is currently in a prototyping phase and is being evaluated by Navy instructors. Acoustic training and anti-submarine warfare are the two areas of focus for now. “The submarine community will be the first adopter of this technology, and this will take place as early as 2015,” said Aguiar. Other Navy components are already making use of virtual worlds with the help of Alion. With the training system for littoral combat ship readiness, “the instructor creates a scenario, such as practicing ship navigation, and the simulation will do everything the ship would do,” said Murphy. “The scenario may include errors and malfunctions in the ship’s operations and the system will respond the 22 | MT2 19.5
way the real system is supposed to. The full interfaces and displays have been replicated in the virtual environment. The entire training takes place in a 3-D immersive high-fidelity virtual environment with a wrap-around screen system that can do almost everything as on the real ship.” The reality that virtual worlds presents is thanks largely to progress on physics-based simulation programming. “Simulations used to be static environments,” said Kumm. “There were few moving entities. A building that was hit would disappear in a puff of smoke without showing the effects of a particular munition on a specific structure. Land-based based applications and military operations in urban terrains can benefit from technology like ours. With physics, real-world effects can be visualized for added realism.” Havok’s simulation framework is designed as a middleware toolkit for use by program developers. WorldViz similarly has created a virtual reality software platform called Vizard, which allows developers to create their own custom content and natively connect to all kinds of hardware devices without the need for programming. “It is ideal for military clients who want to develop their own applications,” said Schlueer. The future of virtual worlds, according to Raver, will be driven by advancement of commonality across the industry, ever-increasing processing power at lower costs, and an expanding universe of integrated and connected resources will all contribute to the development of more realistic and capable virtual environments. “These advancements will allow developers to focus on the details of the virtual world, including lighting and reflections, particle effects, faster rendering of more complicated geometries, and the ability for larger numbers of players to interact simultaneously within the same environments,” he said. “More capable mobile computing devices, increased image recognition, more accurate search tools, and more intuitive input devices will all contribute to the expansion of virtual worlds and augmented reality in our daily lives.” SAIC is currently investing in the development of cloud-based solutions for virtual environments delivered over the distributed networks for hardware independent game-play, analysis and development. “This will create efficiencies in the end user’s ability to utilize virtual environments by reducing the footprint requirements for infrastructure and deploying the capabilities to the point of need,” said Raver. “We are now seeing a massive amount of money being poured in by electronics giants, which will result in dramatic cost reductions and quality improvements to virtual reality environments,” said Schlueer. “This will create the opportunity to deploy serious training games that are fully immersive. In the next couple of years, everyone in the military with their heads screwed on right will be reaping the benefits of these opportunities.” “Virtual reality is going to supplant and replace the kinds of trainings, primarily video-based training, that are currently being used,” said Rossini. “Videos just don’t hold peoples’ attention, and virtual reality holds it better than anything we have seen in a training environment. We have been delivering it to customers over the last decade and we have seen a level of engagement that is unparalleled.” O
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Embedded Training Reducing cost by incorporating training modules into live systems. The U.S. military is on a mission to reduce the costs and improve the efficiencies of its training program. One way to do that is to have learners train virtually on the actual systems they will be using in live operations. So, for example, sailors can learn ship systems while stationed in their home ports. Unmanned aerial system pilots can train on their naviSteve Boe gation systems without an aircraft leaving the ground. And airmen in charge of ballistic missile defense can practice on their systems without having to fire missiles. The incorporation of training modules in real military systems has come to be known as embedded training. Embedded training allows warfighters to switch the live system to training mode and practice on the very systems they would otherwise John Bell be using in live operations. jebell@alionscience.com Embedded training does not necessarily work for every kind of training. But there is little doubt that embedded training will continue to expand and that future military systems will have training designed and built into them from day one. “One of the most valuable advantages of embedded training is that it facilitates joint training,” said Steve Boe, distributed mission www.MT2-kmi.com
By Peter Buxbaum, MT2 Correspondent
operations program manager at Air Forces North (AFNORTH). “Training is very expensive and the military is pushed to the limit through deployments and manpower cuts. Embedded training allows joint training to occur at home stations without having to deploy to the field for exercises. We train day to day with the Army, which operates surface-to-air missiles. But the real cost savings Del Beilstein come when we bring in Navy cruisdbeilstein@aegistg.com ers and potentially Navy and Coast Guard aircraft and even coalition aircraft. We don’t have to go off to separate training facilities. We bring the training application and capability to the live system and put them in training mode.” “In the last few years, the Navy has been taking embedded training systems on ships and connecting them so ships can train together,” said John Bell, a program manager at Alion Science & Technology. “Sailors can train when they are on board ship and they can train like they fight using the same exact system as they use when they are operating. Ships are a very precious resource to the Navy. It can’t afford to put them out to sea to practice war fighting. By utilizing embedded training, the Navy can maximize training time.” “Trainees make errors, and in the real world that costs time and money,” said Del Beilstein, vice president for business development at Aegis Technologies. “In the virtual world you hit a button reset and the student learns the lesson that way.” Aegis has developed embedded training systems for small unmanned aerial vehicles. MT2 19.5 | 23
“The trainee is interacting as an operator with exact same interfaces, hardware and controls as the real system,” Beilstein added. “They have the same tactile feel and provide training to the same muscle memory. You don’t transfer any negative habits learned in a separate training environment and that allows training to go quicker.” Embedded training also provides advantages for equipment familiarization, noted Jan Bjernfalk, vice president for products at Quantum 3-D. “In aircraft training, you don’t get the out-the-window view, but you can train on the instrumentation and the sensor displays while on the aircraft, so you could do some level of mission rehearsal.” A number of technologies developments have contributed to the development and growth of embedded training. “Cross-domain solutions are one training capabilities means there is less time for skills to atrophy and more time for behavior to become key technology,” said Boe. Cross-domain solutions Continuous natural. [Photo courtesy of DoD] regulate the flow of classified and non-classified incontinuous training environment. By tying these formation to individual users based on their indisystems together, the crew can train as a team rathvidual security clearances. er than in individual warfare areas.” That concept “Networks operate at different security levels,” has been extended to connect ships together in a Boe explained. “Cross-domain solutions have alnetwork so that they can train together and comlowed us to connect to simulations that we couldn’t municate with each other as they would during an connect to in the past. We can all connect at differactual operation. ent levels so that command and control organizaAdding training systems to the vessel network tions can now connect with tactical organizations. can put a strain on available bandwidth. Alion was Fighter pilots can connect with NORAD [the North instrumental in developing lightweight, low-bandAmerican Aerospace Defense Command] and everywidth training applications to be used while ships one is working off the same operational picture and Jan Bjernfalk are at sea. is receiving the same data.” jbjernfalk@quantum3d.com The training systems developed by Aegis for “The fact that we are now able to split central training on small unmanned aerial vehicles repprocessing and graphical processing units enhances resent a 100 percent embedded training solution. the embedded capability,” said Clarence Pape, vice Aegis Technologies’ VAMPIRE (visualization and president for training products at Intelligent Decimission-planning integrated rehearsal environsions. “It works by running the virtual environment ment) family of products facilitates training for the on a different part of the CPU.” small Raven, Wasp and Puma UAVs. “Vampire reThe availability of more satellite communicaquires no additional hardware,” said Beilstein. “It tions bandwidth has also contributed to embedded runs on fielded Panasonic Toughbooks and the UAV training. “The Navy has leveraged that additional ground control stations. Users just have to plug in bandwidth to provide additional training data to the system and they can train anywhere, anytime.” ships at sea,” said Bell. Vampire, which was introduced in 2010, has been The AFNORTH’s embedded training modules Clarence Pape fielded to customers in the U.S. Army and the Maare based on commercially available environmenrine Corps as well as to a few overseas customers. tal generators such as air warfare simulator (AWSIM), Ascot, In 2012, Aegis inaugurated a Vampire Instructor Operator and Xcite. “These are used to create background traffic such as Station that has the ability to connect multiple Vampires over a red air and blue air military traffic as well as civilian air traffic network, allowing instructors to handle trainings of 10 teams at to train on our air defense mission,” said Boe. “AWSIM is good once. In 2013, Aegis brought out the Vampire BAT (bi-directional for large scenarios and Ascot and Xcite are good for fighter-onadvanced trainer), which can download sensor feeds for training fighter high-fidelity simulations. They provide realistic fighter UAV payload operators. experiences complete with radar, missiles, flares and electronic “Training on operational hardware saves costs,” said Beilstein. countermeasures.” “It also means another piece of equipment doesn’t have to be transThe Navy has deployed several embedded training systems ported and accounted for when a unit deploys.” on board vessels. “Historically, these have included combat sysThe main technology innovation that supports Aegis’ Vamtems, radar, electronic warfare, and anti-submarine warfare,” said pire series is adapting the software to suit the existing system Bell. “Many Navy weapons systems include stand-alone embedded hardware. “The control system hardware is a ruggedized laptop training in them those systems weren’t built to talk to each other. that was never meant to host a 3-D, 30-frame-per-second virtual Over the years the Navy has built an integrated training system simulation,” said Beilstein. “What we had to do was to bend the that ties all the individual systems together in a network for a 24 | MT2 19.5
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software coding around the hardware to enable a convincing immersive visual product.” Intelligent Decisions markets a dismounted solider training system it recently acquired from Quantum 3-D. “The system uses a man-worn backpack computer,” said Pape. “The system is designed for a virtual environment, but activities such as handling a weapon standing, kneeling and prone, communications with squad members and higher headquarters, and calling for fire and medevac are all done in physical space. Other activities such as kicking down doors, throwing grenades, and detecting ingress and egress locations take place on a virtual battlefield.” In the future, embedded training modules are likely to be incorporated in a greater variety of military systems. “We have had success and have proven the concept in the small UAS community,” said Beilstein. “Going forward, manufacturers There are tremendous benefits in bringing training systems closer to the operators and having them be more interactive. should keep an eye on the training requirement The more time an operator can remain near their duty station and train in that same environment, the more likely will be and architect new systems with an eye toward being the retention of skills and automated actions. [Photo courtesy of DoD] organizations and assets can coordinate activities and be up and able to embed training. Instead of having to optimize the trainrunning in training mode together in a short amount of time.” ing to run on the system hardware, they can create systems that Bell foresees additional training areas being incorporated are able to host and maintain embedded training systems in the into the Navy’s integrated system. “Over the next five years all first place.” warships while at sea will be equipped with a training capability Boe sees Air Force embedded training systems continuing to in all mission areas,” he said. “We will continue to integrate the grow in scope, size and fidelity. “The future plans call for seamNavy’s system with the training systems of the other services and less connectivity between all NORAD and Northern Command with those of coalition partners. It is particularly important for organizations and their simulation assets,” he said. “Networking the Navy to extend its networks and use the embedded training different simulators, simulations, and command and control fasystem with coalition partners so that they are able to train like cilities will allow simulations that have had the approved security they fight.” O processes to be able to connect. Right now there are security classification issues that prevent some of this from happening. “Network solutions will be maturing to the point that allows For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea secret and above information to be passed to different coalition at briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives partners as allowable by security policies,” he added. “The ultifor related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com. mate goal is a plug-and-play environment in which different
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Goodbyes, New Faces For Team Orlando Leadership By NAWCTSD, AFAMS and STTC Public Affairs Offices
Nakagawa Retires; Naylor Assumes Command at NAWCTSD
the momentum AFAMS is currently experiencing through innovative initiatives that will affect the way the Air Force trains airmen in the future, but to uphold this great organization’s credibility, and continue building trust from the live, virtual and constructive (LVC) Captain Wes Naylor relieved Captain Steve “Snak” Nakagawa as community.” commanding officer of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Brigadier General Eric S. Overturf, mobilization assistant to the Division (NAWCTSD) and Naval Support Activity Orlando during a director of operations, deputy chief of staff for Operations, Plans change of command ceremony on June 20. The ceremony was held in and Requirements, delivered an introspective front of NSA Orlando’s de Florez Complex beopening speech, not only highlighting Crites’ fore an audience of approximately 500 people. diverse military background and why he’s the Vice Admiral David A. Dunaway, commandperfect choice to lead AFAMS, but sharing his er, Naval Air Systems Command, was the keyperspective on the significance of LVC through note speaker during the ceremony. During his his personal experiences as a veteran combat remarks, Dunaway discussed the importance pilot. of NAWCTSD, NSA Orlando, and shared his “‘Critter’ brings a pattern of operational thoughts on the incoming and outgoing comexcellence,” said Overturf, “When you commanding officers: “There is a lot of hard work bine that quality with all the brain power in [that gets] you the privileges that we have today. Our military keeps the peace in the world Colonel Bradley M. “Critter” Crites (right) accepts AFAMS’ flag this room—this ‘Genius Bar’ of modeling and Brigadier General Eric S. Overturf, during the Assumption simulation, as I call it—that’s the formula to and these moral, empathetic and passionate from of Command ceremony on June 13, 2014. [Photo courtesy of Team Orlando/by Doug Schaub] turn LVC on the right path of getting our warfleaders make our Navy so great.” ighters ready for combat.” Naylor’s first line of business as commanding officer was to show his appreciation for Nakagawa’s leadership and career in the Navy. ARL-HRED STTC Says Farewell “There is no other naval officer who served durto Colonel Matthew T. Clarke ing difficult times who had the dedication of Snak.” Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Direc“We have two exciting years ahead of us tor Thomas P. Russell retired Colonel Matthew and I’m very honored to serve. Today is not T. Clarke, commander of the Simulation and about me—it’s a celebration of the people of Training Technology Center (STTC) in OrNAWCTSD and NSA Orlando,” he said during lando, Fla., on July 2. Clarke served the Army his first remarks as commanding officer. “It’s Outgoing commanding officer Captain Steve Nakagawa for nearly 30 years and spent the last two at the Commander Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division my longstanding belief that the most impor- salutes STTC. Clarke also served as the acting military Rear Admiral Mark Darrah, and Commander Navy Region tant part of any organization is the people who Southeast Rear Admiral Ricky Williamson upon relinquishing deputy for ARL and the acting director of the command of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems comprise it. One of my highest priorities will Division and Naval Support Activity Orlando to Captain Wes Human Research and Engineering Directorate. be serving you. I expect that we will work to- Naylor. [Photo courtesy of Team Orlando] During his remarks, Russell said, “The gether with the highest levels of integrity and a commitment to innomost important thing I actually do in my career is to have the opporvation as we strive to maintain the highest levels of training systems tunity to retire officers at the end of their careers. But I want to break excellence.” protocol for a moment … and recognize the family first. Missy, Noah, AFAMS New Commander, Colonel Bradley Crites, Set for ReadiJosh, it’s really been your support that has made Colonel Clarke’s caness Through LVC reer as successful as it is today. Thank you very much for what you Following the military traditional ritual of accepting the organizahave done to support him and the U.S. Army for the past 29 years.” tion’s flag as a symbol of its members’ loyalty and trust during the as“I must say that it was an absolute joy to work in ARL and be sumption of command ceremony, Colonel Bradley M. “Critter” Crites part of the STTC experience. This is an organization full of innovation, became the 9th commander of the Air Force Agency for Modeling and talent and dedication. It is an organization that will build the future Simulation (AFAMS). The ceremony, which dates back to the 18th through creative and effective technologies to train, assist, protect century, was held at Central Florida Research Park’s Partnership III and enhance our soldiers so that they remain the best soldiers in the Building, in Orlando, Fla., on June 13. world,” said Clarke during the retirement. “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to take command of Clarke relinquished his responsibilities to Lieutenant Colonel JoAFAMS and spearhead the efforts for the Air Force in taking training seph Lisella, who became the acting commander until Colonel Gary to a new level,” Crites said. “I’m committed, not only to advance Laase assumes command in the summer. O 26 | MT2 19.5
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The advertisers index is provided as a service to our readers. KMI cannot be held responsible for discrepancies due to last-minute changes or alterations.
MT2 RESOURCE CENTER Advertisers Index AEgis Technologies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 www.aegistg.com Aptima. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 www.aptima.com Bohemia Interactive Simulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 www.bisimulations.com Digimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 www.digimation.com Disti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.disti.com Inert Products LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.inertproducts.com Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 www.kmwsim.com SAIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C4 www.saic.com Virtual Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 www.virtualheroes.com
Calendar September 3-5, 2014 GameTech Orlando, Fla. www.gametechconference.com
December 1-5, 2014 I/ITSEC 2014 Orlando, Fla. www.iitsec.org
September 8-10, 2014 2014 Maneuver Conference Expo Fort Benning, Ga. www.fbcinc.com/event.aspx
February 22-26, 2015 IDEX Adnec, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emorates www.ausameetings.org/idex mt2_2014ad.indd
September 8-12, 2014 2014 Fall Simulation Interoperability Workshop Orlando, Fla. www.trainingsystems.org
March 31–April 2, 2015 AUSA Winter Symposium Huntsville, Ala. www.ausa.org
September 15-17, 2014 Air and Space Conference Washington D.C. www.afa.org/airspaceconf/Home
April 13-16 Sea Air Space National Harbor, Md. www.seaairspace.org
September 23-25, 2014 Modern Day Marine Quantico, Va. www.marinemilitaryexpos.com/ modern-day-marine.shtml October 13-15, 2014 AUSA Washington D.C. www.ausameetings. org/2014annualmeeting
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April 28-30, 2015 ITEC Prague, Czech Republic www.itec.co.uk May 4-7, 2015 AUVSI Unmanned Systems North America Atlanta, Ga. www.auvsishow.org
Learn more about Aptima in this edition of Military Training Technology:
Serious Gaming Resource Guide Page 11 Human-Centered Engineering
Real-Time Performance Dashboard for LVC Training Exercises
Page 14
Boston ▪ DC ▪ Dayton ▪ Orlando | www.aptima.com
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INDUSTRY INTERVIEW
Military Training Technology
James J. Jackson Vice President and Service Line Manager SAIC Q: What are some of your key products in the DoD training and simulation industry?
simulation portfolio, which spans the entire training continuum and application areas of simulation.
A: We are focused on solutions that make a difference to our customers’ critical and enduring missions. In the late ’90s, SAIC began developing serious games for training. Our work in support of the Army Game Studio and America’s Army, in coordination with the Software Engineering Directorate of AMRDEC, uses America’s Army codebase, along with gaming strategies and multimedia integration, to introduce future warfighters to leadership and teamwork skills, decision making, objective-based problem solving, negotiation skills and strategy. We are also pioneering the field of mental preparedness and resiliency through human performance and evocative training. SAIC has assembled one of the world’s largest teams of applied psychologists all focused on training personnel to be mentally prepared for whatever challenges they will face in the accomplishment of their mission. Large scale training and exercises are critical to military and homeland security organizations to ensure mission readiness. Through our experience in leading integrated live, virtual, constructive training events, SAIC has developed cost-effective ways to design, plan, execute and evaluate both small- and large-scale exercises that are both effective and efficient. Lastly, SAIC provides a full range of innovative and cost-effective simulation and analysis services that leverage our extensive expertise in mission-focused system, software and component engineering; signal and image processing; custom system integration; and advanced analytics.
Q: How are you positioned for the future within the U.S. military?
Q: What are some of the new training/ simulation technologies SAIC is developing in 2014? A: In the near future, we’ll continue to see an increase in computational power and reduction in the perceptible nature of 28 | MT2 19.5
the human machine interface, which will enable more distributed and more immersive training. We’re hoping to integrate mature and emerging technologies that will enable a broader spectrum of training to a wider audience via the cloud. Q: What are some of your goals over the next year? A: We take great pride in supporting our customers’ missions and that will always remain our number one goal. One of our goals is delivering more effective training and simulation solutions at lower costs. Specifically, we’re maximizing reuse and composability to deliver higher-fidelity, higher-throughput or increased-complexity synthetic environments to address training and analytic challenges across a broad spectrum of challenges. Q: Can you describe SAIC’s history and evolution? A: We have 45 years of experience in delivering solutions to our customers and that past performance is a key advantage. Training and simulation have been core to SAIC’s capabilities since day one. The company’s separation from its former parent last September enabled SAIC to start almost from scratch. Our new business model is about optimization of our contract portfolio, the skills of our employees and the services delivered by corporate departments. We have more than 1,000 professionals supporting SAIC’s training and
A: Our growth strategy, within the U.S. military and overall, places much emphasis on expanding in adjacent accounts where we can transfer proven capabilities. Regarding challenges within contracting to the U.S. military environment, the two-year federal budget deal was passed and is generally favorable during this timeframe compared to full sequestration. We believe customers will have a more stable budget outlook to execute their missions and are now able to prioritize their expenditures over a multi-year period, unlike what we have seen recently. Q: What is SAIC’s connection with the defense community? A: More than 70 percent of our business is with the Department of Defense, which includes 29 percent with the Army and 21 percent with the Navy. We are also prime on 90 percent of our contracts, making us one of the largest pure play technical services providers to DoD. Training and simulation is a key enabler to defense readiness and we’re proud to support such critical missions within the defense community. Q: How do customers benefit from SAIC’s varied resources and expertise? A: We help customers with solving their most difficult challenges. Our technical integration capability along with our deep understanding of our customers’ missions gives us an edge to provide them the best solutions, optimized for their unique circumstances. This is acutely true in the training domain where we always bring together subject matter expertise of the mission and training or analytical expertise that is enabled by technology. O
james.j.jackson@saic.com www.MT2-kmi.com
2014 Top Simulation & Training Companies
NEXTISSUE
September 2014 Vol. 19, Issue 6
America's Longest Established Simulation & Training Magazine
Cover and In-Depth Interview with:
Maj. Gen. James W. Lukeman Incoming Commanding General Marine Training and Education Command
Special Section 2014 Top Simulation & Training Companies This annual competition recognizes companies that have made a significant impact in the military training industry throughout the current fiscal year in simulation, distributed learning, serious gaming, visual systems, embedded training, targets and ranges, database modeling, or any other training component. Companies are selected based on various criteria, which includes total military sales, end-user feedback, innovation and need for the solution.
Command Profile: 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion
BONUS DISTRIBUTION MODERN DAY MARINE
Features Ranges
Mobile Simulators
Training ranges provide the military with ways for the warfighter to get hands-on experience with either live fire or simulated exercises.
At times it’s more cost effective to rent simulators and have those simulators brought on location for training, and this is utilized in several areas within the military.
Flight Simulation
Vehicle Maintenance Training
The goal here is high fidelity, giving pilots as real an experience as possible to minimize the cost and resource consumption of live training.
Whether it’s a tactical all-wheel drive vehicle or a semi tractor trailer delivering supplies to a friendly base, ground vehicles need to be properly maintained to get the job done.
Insertion Order Deadline: August 27, 2014 • Ad Materials Deadline: September 3, 2014
MISSION
+ TECHNOLOGY CONNECTIONS THAT WORK. Our services and solutions, like the “America’s Army” virtual game developed for the Army Game Studio, make us ready to help you tackle your most complex challenges.
15-0202
The next generation SAIC. saic.com
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