Fundamental Issues In Defense Training And Simulation

Defense forces have always invested a great deal of their resources in training. In recent times, changes in the complexity and intensity of operations have reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that warfighters are adequately prepared for the environments in which they are required to work. The emergence of new operational drivers such as asymmetric threats, urban operations, joint and coalition operations and the widespread use of military communications and information technology networks has highlighted the importance of providing warfighters with the competencies required to act in a coordinated, adaptable fashion, and to make effective decisions in environments characterized by large amounts of sometimes ambiguous information. While investment in new technologies can make available new opportunities for action, it is only through effective training that personnel can be made ready to apply their tools in the most decisive and discriminating fashion. There are many factors which can have an impact on the efficacy of training and many issues to consider when designing and implementing training strategies. These issues are often complex and nuanced, and in order to grasp them fully a significant investment of time and energy is required. However, the requirement to respond quickly to ever-changing technology, a high operational tempo and minimal staffing may preclude many in today's defense forces from seeking out all such resources on their own. This edited collection provides brief, easy-to-understand summaries of the key issues in defense training and simulation, as well as guidance for further reading. It consists of a collection of short essays, each of which addresses a fundamental issue in defense training and simulation, and features an up-to-date reference list to enable the reader to undertake further investigation of the issues addressed. In essence, this book provides the optimum starting point, or first resource, for readers to come to terms with the important issues associated with defense training and simulation. The contributions are written by leading scholars from military research institutions in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as selected researchers from academic and private sector research institutions.

"Defence forces have always invested a great deal of their resources in training. In recent times, changes in the complexity and intensity of operations have re-affirmed the importance of ensuring that warfighters are adequately prepared for the environments in which they are required to work. The emergence of new operational drivers such as asymmetric threats, urban operations, joint and coalition operations, and the widespread use of military communications and information technology networks has highlighted the importance of providing warfighters with the competencies required to act in a coordinated, adaptable fashion, and to make effective decisions in environments characterised by large amounts of sometimes ambiguous information. While investment in new technologies can make available new opportunities for action, it is only through effective training that personnel can be made ready to apply their tools in the most decisive and discriminating fashion - and by doing so transform military technology into defence capability"--Provided by publisher.

Describes the evolving coordination of simulation activities under the auspices of the Defense Modeling and Simulation Office within DoD. Also addresses the Army's efforts to strengthen the management of its simulation programs, with a particular focus on the acquisition of the Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT). Also includes a review of the Army's CCTT acquisition plan to ensure that it provided for: high level mgmt. oversight, system interoperability, and integration of the system with more traditional forms of training for greater cost effectiveness.

A comprehensive guide to computer assisted exercises Readers can turn to this indispensable reference guide for comprehensive and lucid coverage of the operational, technical, and organizational knowledge needed to harness successful and constructive computer assisted exercises (CAX) and war games. It is geared also toward large civilian organizations that are looking to teach and test their strategies and procedures without the added cost of manpower. Divided into two clear parts, the book covers: Fundamentals and Theory—conflict and warfare; probability and statistics; simulation; distributed simulation; and experimentation and analysis Combat Modeling, Computer Assisted Exercises, and Practice—CAX architectures; CAX process; combat modeling; CAX support tools; communications/information system issues, technical risks, and risk miti-gation; and exercise centers and facilities Computer Assisted Exercises and Training: A Reference Guide is indispensable reading for research engineers, computer scientists, software engineers working with modeling and simulation, homeland security specialists, staff in simulation training centers, military strategists and commanders, and many others. It also serves as a valuable textbook for modeling and simulation courses at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels.

Concerned that growing restrictions by host governments are limiting the training opportunities available to U.S. military forces, this report examines a number of issues related to the ability of non-CONUS-based (non-continental U.S.-based) forces to train. It assesses: (1) the types of training constraints that non-CONUS forces face and whether they are likely to increase in the future, (2) the impact these constraints have had on the ability of military units to meet their training requirements and on their reported readiness, and (3)alternatives that exist to increase training opportunities for these forces. Charts, tables, maps and photos.

A number of naval exercises can be conducted in port, using various forms of simulation, rather than at sea. Some groups, such as commercial shipping, already rely more heavily on such training than the U.S. Navy does. Can the U.S. Navy do the same, yet still maintain or improve readiness? The authors look at current uses of simulation and suggest ways to best use underway and simulation training time and strategies for implementation.