Resistance is futile … you will be simulated! Transforming training in an equipment-dependent branch

Army Communicator, Fall, 2004 by Keith M. Perkins

When it comes to training, Signal is a very equipment-dependent branch. Typically, the equipment needed for training is fielded at the school house after several units have already received the equipment. And sometimes, this equipment is diverted due to real world requirements. However, this does not release the school house from the responsibility to train Soldiers to use the new equipment. Unfortunately, in the world of communications and automation, technology changes at a rapid pace. Add in the fact that a large portion of this type of equipment in the military is now being provided as commercial-off-the-shelf products and you have the school houses scrambling to keep up. The solution the Signal Center has adopted is Lifelong Learning and relies heavily on simulations. This article describes our current efforts and products.

Completed UIT simulations:

The Force XXI Battle Command and Below/31U Tactical Operations Center simulation was demonstrated in the University of Information Technology section of the Training and Doctrine Command display during the 2003 winter Association of the United States Army Conference in Washington, D.C. The FBCB2 simulation is posted and available for download at the UIT Website: https:// uit.gordon.army.mil. This simulation was taken (30 percent complete) to Kuwait by Program Manager FBCB2 and used as new equipment training before hostilities began in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This simulation is setting the standard across TRADOC and is scheduled to be implemented at all TRADOC Schools in fiscal year 2005.

The re-release of the AN/TRC-173 Simulation occurred Nov. 3, 2003. Input was received from users, instructors and training developers and minor modifications were made to enhance the simulation. This was the first UIT simulation and the building block for the development of the FBCB2 simulation. This simulation is designed for 31R and 31P.

The AN/GSC-52 simulation was demonstrated at the 2003 Signal Symposium and was posted on the UIT Website January 2004. This simulation is designed to train the Army's critical 31S military occupational specialty on Information Operations Management of the GSC-52 earth terminal.

Simulations under development:

July 2004, we took the prerelease version of our newest simulation, the Brigade Subscriber Node, and used it as part of the training for SBCT 4 out of Fort Polk, La. The BSN simulations allowed us to train soldiers on equipment before they ever received their actual equipment. We have found in training the Stryker Brigades, that using the simulation before soldiers actually use the real equipment greatly reduces the time required for NET and hands-on training. We still require soldiers to qualify on actual equipment but, it takes less time because the simulation already familiarizes them with the equipment and procedures. Stryker Brigade Combat Team 4 will receive their equipment and be stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., after their training is complete. The window for release of the finalized BSN simulation closed September 2004. This simulation is designed for the 31C, 31F and 31P MOS.

We are currently working on a couple of other simulations, Tactical Internet Management System/ ISYSCON V4 and Digital Tactical Operations Center for military occupational skill 74B. These simulations will be released in fiscal year 2005. Although the target audience for these simulations is the 74B10 level there will be portions targeted for noncommissioned officers as well as officers and warrant officers.

Proposed simulations:

What's Next? Depending on funding, the following systems are candidates for fiscal year 2005 simulations: AN/TSC-85D, AN/ TSC-93D, Integrated Digital Skills Trainer IDST/S6, EPLRS Network Manager, Joint Network Node, Baseban Node, Joint Network Management System and others.

The way ahead:

Simulations Branch is currently working with several agencies (Program Manager Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Army Training Support Center, etc.) and industry partners in developing simulations training products that embody the UIT simulations standards and are complementary to the Lifelong Learning concept. Fort Gordon was designated as the Executive Agent for Lifelong Learning Centers throughout TRADOC.

A team was sent to every TRADOC Installation to help tailor the Lifelong Learning Concept to each school houses unique needs. The end goal is to have a network of Lifelong Learning Centers each located with the appropriate school houses who are responsible for the accuracy and maintenance of their information. These Centers of Excellence will have the ability to exchange information among each other to fill the users' needs. For example, a Signal Soldier will always log onto the Fort Gordon Lifelong Learning Center to get information and training.

Even if the Soldier's question is pertaining to an area that falls into the Infantry Schools area of responsibility, the Soldier would still log into the Signal Center and the Signal Center Lifelong Learning Center will find the answer/training where ever it is housed.