Policy, Standards, Management and Acquisition

Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Architecture Interoperability Assessment

Are You Ready? The Open Technology Development Challenge

Using Competency Definitions to Adapt Training for Mission Success

One Step Further Towards the Next Generation Training Systems

Distributed Training in Europe

CREATING A NATO JOINT URBAN TRAINING STRATEGY

Functional Requirement Decomposition and Analysis Enabling Cross Command Tool Design, Development, and Integration

Capabilities-Based Defense Processes

The Path of Transformation: Toward Cost-wise Readiness on a “METL” Track

OneSAF:  Experiences from the Field in an Open Source Environment

Training Transformation under the Combatant Commander Exercise Engagement and Training Transformation (CE2T2) Account

Joint Training Assessment

Using S1000D to Bridge Collaboration Gaps Between Technical Data and Supporting Training Content

Integrating Team Experiential Learning into SCORM-Conformant Training

S1000D SCORM Test Bed:  Integrated Development of Technical Publications and Training

Simulation, Training and the Evolving Net-Centric Information Exchange Standards

The Ripple Effect of  Information Assurance (IA) on the Simulation World

Adopting OneSAF as the Core Entity Driver for BLCSE

An Introduction to the NTSA Standards Standing Committee

A Taxonomy to Aid Acquisition of Simulation-Based Learning Systems

Network Centric Warfare Training – A Live Simulation Data Strategy

Maintaining the Edge:  POSDC Operating a Learning Institution Management Model

Validating the Electronic Combat Environment in Aircrew Training Devices

 

 

Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Architecture Interoperability Assessment

2007 Paper No. 7045

 

Warren W. Bizub

USJFCOM J7

Suffolk, VA

 

Dannie E. Cutts

AEgis Technologies Group Inc.

Suffolk, VA

 

Substantive interoperability between Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) assets has long been a “Holy Grail” for the Modeling & Simulation (M&S) community.  Currently, however, the M&S community utilizes different standards that are not natively interoperable and in some cases competing in nature.  In most cases, the current level of interoperability is attained through the use of numerous gateway applications, embedded middleware solutions, or approaches such as Federation Object Model (FOM) agreements.  These solutions to technical interoperability, however, are sometimes prone to violating latency thresholds, significantly increase complexity, mistranslate data, and require large workarounds.  The resources required to develop interoperable solutions has prompted the M&S user community to identify an explicit gap in the area referred to as Simulation Interoperability, particularly where interoperability between Live, Virtual and Constructive assets is desired.  In response, a US DoD M&S Steering Committee (SC) sponsored and funded study was established with the objective of developing an LVC Architecture Way Ahead (LVCWA).    The study team is exploring and assessing a number of alternatives supporting simulation interoperability (at the technical level), business models, and the evolution process of standards management across the Department of Defense.  This paper describes a plan for moving toward improved LVC interoperability based on the author’s findings and recommendations assimilated from the study activities to date.

 

This paper is available on the 2007 I/ITSEC CD ROM.

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Are You Ready? The Open Technology Development Challenge

2007 Paper No. 7100

 

Bela Joshi, Ph.D.  and Curtiss Murphy

Alion Science and Technology Corporation, BMH Operation

Norfolk, VA

 

The Department of Defense (DoD) released the Open Technology Development (OTD) Roadmap in order to reduce the cost of acquisition and to increase interoperability and re-use across DoD programs.  OTD methodologies rely on the application of common standards and interfaces; open source software and design; collaborative, distributed culture and online tools; and technological agility. Adopting an OTD approach implies a paradigm shift in the procurement and management of such programs, as well as in the day-to-day activities of a contractor’s development team.    This paper presents case studies of two DoD projects that are early adopters of Open Technology Development: the Common Distributed Mission Training Station (CDMTS) and Delta3D.  CDMTS is a Government Off The Shelf (GOTS) cross platform Instructor Operator Station (IOS) framework.  Delta3D is an Open Source Software (OSS) Gaming Engine that is used to develop 3D visualizations and game-based trainers.    In this paper, we outline the practical implications of developing and maintaining next generation (training) systems in an open and collaborative manner.  We identify the challenges associated with managing multiple customers and funding lines; establishing an effective development team; ensuring common coding standards and practices; and performing configuration and release management in such an environment. Finally, we explore how these two DoD projects address the key challenges and focus areas identified in the OTD Roadmap.

 

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Using Competency Definitions to Adapt Training for Mission Success

2007 Paper No. 7131

 

Dr. Geoffrey Frank, Dr. Robert Hubal

RTI International

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

 

Mr. Michael O’Bea

Training and Doctrine Command Program Integration Office–Virtual (TPIO–Virtual)

Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas

 

U.S. military forces require personnel who are prepared for new missions, who are equipped to face ever-changing operating environments, and who are proficient in increasingly sophisticated, rapidly evolving technologies.  To successfully support personnel, the training, operational, and personnel communities must be aware of the rapidly changing needs of those in the field and understand how decisions concerning the allocation of limited recruiting and training resources may affect their readiness.     This paper describes how competency definitions can support resource allocation decision-making by linking data on experience in the field with personnel and training data.  Linking these data automatically allows training managers to quantitatively compare how tasks are trained in the schools with how tasks are executed in the field and to adjust training time and equipment resources accordingly.  Competency descriptions with multiple levels of abstraction can be used to summarize data at the level appropriate for the decision-maker.      Complex competency definitions can be expensive to build and difficult to update.  An automated approach to generating competency definitions that leverages standard reusable competency definition data models and existing taxonomies can reduce the development effort and speed up maintenance.  This paper provides an example where competency definitions are generated automatically using an ontology. The model has been used to integrate operational data on equipment used in the current operating environment, personnel data on driving accidents, and training data on equipment used for training.   It allows decision-makers to compare operational risk in terms of the cost of accidents involving particular types of vehicles in the field with …

 

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One Step Further Towards the Next Generation Training Systems

2007 Paper No. 7033

 

Per M. Gustavsson

Saab Microwave Systems / University of Skövde

Skövde, Sweden

Stefan Lundmark

Saab Training Systems

Helsingborg, Sweden

 

The Net-centricity and Global Information Grid (GIG) visions enable systems to be interconnected to support multi-lateral, civilian and military missions. The constantly changing environment requires the commanders to plan for missions that allow for units from various nations, agencies etc. to join or separate from the team, depending on the situation, as the mission unfolds. The uncertainty of the actual mission and that the potential for agencies and organizations to support the mission after it is underway, leads to a vast number of potential scenarios that civil and military personnel need to train in individual and collaborative training environments. 

It is not feasible to train for every possible mission and every possible combination of teams. The Next Generation Training Systems need to manage this complex and dynamic environment. The simulation support needs to be unified such that training performed at home stations and in mission training/mission rehearsal that may occur just days, hours or even minutes before the actual missions are as interoperable as possible. It is becoming more important to adapt to the latest doctrine of the adversary.  This need to adapt coupled with the specific intended concept of the operation must drive the civil and military agencies, organizations, and units selected for the mission at hand. The need for rapid mission rehearsal capabilities drives the requirement to transform to simulation infrastructure that includes interoperability mechanisms that enable a more agile, dynamic and adaptive interconnection of heterogeneous simulations.

In this paper a step towards the Next Generation Training Systems is presented. The concepts, ongoing research and standards are described and the role of the Coalition Battle Management Language as one of the key enablers for the Next Generation Training Systems is presented. Methods and tools used in demonstrations to show fast integration between heterogeneous Live, Virtual and Constructive simulations with Command and Control Systems are exemplified.

 

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Distributed Training in Europe

2007 Paper No. 7219

 

Bill Rumpel

L3 Communications

Ramstein, Germany

 

Rafael Vila, Major, USAF

USAFE Warrior Preparation Center

Ramstein, Germany

 

The intent of this paper is to examine the current policy and guidance that drives Training Transformation across DoD and specifically how it is impacting the Air Forces ability to train in Europe. It goes on to discover the initiatives being pursued in Europe as the Army and Air Force integrate their Live, Virtual, and Constructive training and Exercise capabilities and the difficulties encountered in that effort.  Lastly the paper addresses possible solutions to the modeling and simulation pieces as well as the technical aspects of operating a net centric training and exercise capability in a foreign country that is a half a day out of the US training and exercise cycle.  The bottom line of the paper will be to highlight how innovative and creative use of integrating existing capabilities and technology can create a system much more capable than any of the “stove pipe” systems alone.  This is an old theme with a new, war on terrorism twist that addresses force ability, budget constraints, and geographical distance. 

 

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CREATING A NATO JOINT URBAN TRAINING STRATEGY

2007 Paper No. 7234

 

LTC Michael L. Whetstone

USA United States Joint Forces Command, Joint Warfighting Center

Suffolk, VA

 

The US Joint Forces Command’s Joint Urban Operations Office (JUOO) and J7/Capabilities Development Joint Urban Operation (JUO) Training Branch Group working in concert are developing a NATO Joint Urban Training Strategy. Using Lessons Learned from the Global War on Terrorism, the DOD Training and Facilities Study, and combined with the best elements of NATO Urban Training Strategies, a NATO Joint Urban Training Strategy will provide timely and relevant training to an interoperable Multinational, and Interagency training audience. The strategy leverages the Joint National Training Capability and provides Concept Development and Experimentation. To facilitate the NATO Joint Urban Training Strategy, the objective of the Joint Urban Operations Training Branch, a group of urban subject matter experts, is to provide solutions for identified NATO Urban deficiencies, gaps and seams found in real world missions and training. The JUO Training Branch integrates combined Allied Command Transformation, Service, CoCom, Interagency, and Multinational stakeholder urban operations training strategies; integrates NATO and Joint Knowledge; integrates JUO concepts into Joint National Training Capability accredited venues and certified programs, supports Service, CoCom and Multinational training exercises; and provides a JUO single point of interest for all urban operations concepts. This paper will provide a historical background, propose a NATO Joint Urban Training Strategy and provide a baseline for future NATO Joint Urban Training.

 

 

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Functional Requirement Decomposition and Analysis Enabling Cross Command Tool Design, Development, and Integration

2007 Paper No. 7197

 

Eric M. Johnson

TRADOC Analysis Center

Fort Bliss, Texas

Brian K. Hobson

Booz Allen Hamilton

Leavenworth, Kansas

 

In March 2003, the Honorable Walter W. Hollis, Deputy Under Secretary of the Army for Operations Research (DUSA(OR)) tasked the Program Manager (PM) Future Combat Systems (FCS), Models and Simulation (M&S) Management Office (MSMO) to ensure compatibility among the respective M&S capabilities of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), and the FCS Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) to support development and acquisition of the FCS Brigade Combat Team (BCT) System-of-Systems (SoS). The Cross Command Collaboration Effort (3CE) is enabling this compatibility.  The purpose of 3CE is to develop an M&S and data collaboration environment for design, development, integration, and testing of capabilities, systems, and prototypes.  The 3CE environment is intended to satisfy the common requirements of all participants to conduct distributed development that accounts for impacts across the doctrine, organizational, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) domains.    3CE brings together a cross command team of subject matter experts to develop and implement a functional decomposition and analysis process – a process that is based on systems engineering principles.  The 3CE functional decomposition and analysis process drives cross command design, development, and integration based on analyst and evaluator requirements.  Utilizing Department of Defense Architectural Framework (DoDAF) products and cross command analytic requirement documents, this process provides a relevant and credible requirement set that is explicitly linked to operational use cases and is at a level of fidelity sufficient  to transition into the design phase.  3CE has executed this process to identify analytic, technical, and operational requirements that will support FCS Spin Out events and activities.  This paper focuses on the development and implementation of the 3CE functional decomposition …

 

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Capabilities-Based Defense Processes

2007 Paper No. 7298

 

Vincent P. Roske, Jr.

Institute for Defense Analyses

Alexandria, Virginia

 

The DOD has adopted a “Capability-based” paradigm for definition, development, fielding and use of military Forces and systems.  Problem: While most of the major Defense assessment and decision making processes claim to have become “capability-based”, they remain embedded in the Conceptual models of the earlier systems and requirements based construct. As such, the full potential of the “capabilities-based” paradigm has yet to be realized in Training, Testing, Planning, Acquisition, Joint Capabilities Identification and Development Systems (JCIDS) and other major Defense processes. There is no common capabilities-based conceptual framework or language among these various Defense Processes to integrate their efforts on an objective of identifying, developing, fielding and effectively employing war fighting capability as quickly as possible Most assessment processes (many relaying heavily on M&S constructs) perceive the Joint Operating Environment from a Systems-based perspectives; one within which many of the emerging and increasingly important non-system aspects of current warfare are not detectable.   This presentation offers a new view of the Joint Operating Environment, a Capability/Task Performance-based perspective from which to describe scenarios in common war fighting terms related to mission accomplishment; a view that “sees” all the related activities in a Joint Operating Environment and that enables and facilitates effective design and validation of Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) M&S assemblies of those environments for Training, Concept Development, T&E, Planning, fielding and other Defense planning and Force employment decision making needs and that can relate the performance of any selected capability to the accomplishment of the mission objectives in an over arching Scenario.   The presentation presents this new paradigm, develops the Capability-based perspective, and demonstrates its application in designing effective, efficient LVC constructs for Training applications and other DOD processes and as a unifying framework across the various assessment, capability fielding and operational force application processes in…

 

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The Path of Transformation: Toward Cost-wise Readiness on a “METL” Track

2007 Paper No. 7317

 

David K. Brown

CFFC N721B Dynamics Research Corporation

Norfolk, VA

 

DOD and the services are in a continual quest for effectiveness and efficiency—with the emphasis on ―effectiveness.  Force-wide application of the Strategy-to-Task mission analysis-Mission Essential Task List (METL) framework gives us the foundation on which to establish ―Cost-wise‖ Readiness.  This paper presents three keys to understanding METL-based cost-wise readiness.  First, we will explore the background of Transformation and the Mission Analysis-METL processes which enable MET-based readiness and lead to ―Metrics that Matter.‖  Next, we will look inside the Navy at the Navy Warfare Training System‘s process and operations.  Then we will explore the potential for applying an activity-based cost (ABC) scheme to ascertain the dollar value invested in training to raise MET proficiency: a ―Cost-wise‖ Readiness indicator on a METL track.  All DOD Military Training is supposed to be tied to METs.  The Joint Training System (JTS) inspired Navy Warfare Training System (NWTS) bases training requirements on Navy Mission Essential Tasks (NMETs).  The Defense Readiness Reporting System (DRRS) reports mission readiness on a MET-by-MET basis.   The latest development of joint capabilities also employs the METL language of tasks, conditions and standards to describe evolving and transformational capabilities.

By developing systems of "metrics that matter" derived from METLs coupled to the ABC inspired Fleet Training Capability Cost System (FTCCS), naval leaders will be equipped with the insight to achieve "cost-wise" readiness through a sustained process of applied mission analysis and balanced risk management.  The lessons learned from instituting Fleet cost-wise readiness will pave the way for other elements of the joint and integrated force to strive for efficient excellence and enable ―One Team, One Fight‖ success.

 

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OneSAF:  Experiences from the Field in an Open Source Environment

2007 Paper No. 7102

 

Doug Parsons

U.S. Army, PEO Simulation, Training and Instrumentation

Orlando, FL

 

The U.S. Army recently released the One Semi-Automated Forces (OneSAF) simulation system as a single entity-level software solution to serve three modeling and simulation domains.  Postured as an open-architecture, open-source application, the OneSAF program will put this software into the hands of a vast number of developers throughout the Department of Defense.  Software development of the OneSAF application has been conducted in a robust systems engineering environment that balances agile methods and traditional practices.  Now fielded, OneSAF will expand this development environment to include processes and methods to enhance opportunities to integrate code from external developers with varying development capabilities and objectives.  These processes will create unprecedented participation, and leverage the talents and resources of developers throughout the modeling and simulation community to include multi-service, international, industry and academia experts.  This paper will describe the methods, as well as early experiences and lessons learned while integrating and managing multiple baselines from multiple sources, as well as the subsequent return on investment.

 

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Training Transformation under the Combatant Commander Exercise Engagement and Training Transformation (CE2T2) Account

2007 Paper No. 7153

 

Mr. Greg F. Knapp, SES Mr. Timothy L. Baker, SL

Executive Director, Joint Warfighting Center, Technical Director, Joint Warfighting Center

US Joint Forces Command

Suffolk, VA

 

The 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), identifying the need to foster “further advances in joint training and education…to prepare for complex, multinational, and interagency operations in the future,” directed the Department of Defense (DoD) to “expand the Training Transformation (T2) Business Model to consolidate joint training, prioritize new and emerging missions, and exploit virtual and constructive technologies.” Under this guidance, Program Budget Decision 709 was enacted which realigned and consolidated joint training funds from the Services, Combatant Commands (COCOM), and the Joint Staff into the CE2T2 account within a Defense-wide appropriation.  Governed under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness), the CE2T2 account expands the T2 Business Model and leads the effort to fuse a widely dispersed and disjointed joint training resource business model into a process that is collaborative, transparent, incentivized, and effective.    This paper will address the benefits of consolidated management of the joint training portfolio, and how the T2 Business Model leads to the more effective use of government resources in addressing the strategic priorities of DoD as outlined in the Strategic Planning Guidance (FY08-13).  As well, this paper will discuss how Joint Forces Command will leverage the CE2T2 account to address the following areas of joint training that have been identified as requiring increased effort to decrease their associated risk:  • Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Language, and Culture training • Training forces to conduct indigenous force training • Integrated Operations  • Joint C2 Homeland Defense/Civil Support Exercises • Stability, Security, Transition, and Reconstruction Operations • Irregular Warfare training • Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction  • Security Cooperation/Engagement • Information Operations  • Catastrophic Consequence Management• Adaptive Planning  • COCOM Joint Task Force Headquarters Certification and Battlestaff training   • Non-lethal, Non

 

 

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Joint Training Assessment

2007 Paper No. 7188

 

Annie Patenaude, Fred Hartman

Office of the Secretary of Defense (USD(P&R))

Washington, DC

 

The second biennial Block Assessment of Joint Training is being conducted April-October 2007. This year's effort expanded to include all Combatant Commands and the four Military Services, as well as the three pillars of Training Transformation (T2) included in the 2005 Block Assessment – Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability, Joint National Training Capability, and Joint Assessment and Enabling Capability (JAEC). This paper will primarily discuss metric development, identifying and refining data elements to support the metrics, and analysis of the data in support of the 2007 assessment.   The JAEC assessments are guided by the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), T2 Strategic Plan, and T2 program missions and objectives. From these, the team developed the metrics and data elements that provided a large portion of the material for analysis. As in the previous block assessment, much of the information required the use of qualitative assessments and other means to provide a true picture of Joint training and support the purpose of the block assessment.  The paper will describe the project’s attempts to go beyond completing an assessment, towards a goal of institutionalizing data gathering and assessment in the Joint Training Information Management System to support decision-making and joint force readiness. The paper also includes discussion of plans to use the Department's automated reporting systems and our efforts at synchronizing the developing data collection activities of different organizations.   

 

 

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Using S1000D to Bridge Collaboration Gaps Between Technical Data and Supporting Training Content

2007 Paper No. 7134

 

Wayne Gafford

Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Lab

Alexandria, Virginia

 

The Department of Defense (DoD) training community, lead by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative, is accustomed to specification-driven content development. The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) provides guidelines for referencing learning objects in courseware, and how that courseware communicates with a learning management system (LMS). In addition, Content Object Repository Discovery and Registration Architecture (CORDRA) is the framework that fosters registration, search and discovery of content through the ADL Registry (ADL-R). DoD SCORM and ADL-R policies are detailed in the Department of Defense Instruction 1322.26, "Development, Management and Delivery of Distributed Learning". However, there is a specification gap in the training arena that has not been addressed: XML structured learning content. Historically, learning content has been committed to formats not designed for configuration and content management, such as HTML and Flash. DoD training content can benefit from the use of XML that enables interoperability and management. This paper will demonstrate how learning content structured in the S1000D international technical data spec is a benefit to the DoD training community. The paper will also demonstrate how technical data structured in S1000D can be imported directly into courseware and made SCORM-conformant. The paper will conclude with a discussion of plans to support training requirements in S1000D. 

 

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Integrating Team Experiential Learning into SCORM-Conformant Training

2007 Paper No. 7260

 

Craig Haimson, John Feeney, David Kramer, Mark Weston

Aptima

Washington, DC/Woburn, MA

 

Mike Rustici

Rustici Software

Franklin, TN

Mary Cherng, Ben Chess

Forterra Systems

San Mateo, CA

 

Distributed training environments such as multiplayer games decrease reliance on operational equipment and resources and reduce the need for co-located teammates and instructors. However, there is a need to coordinate and synchronize online scenario-based training with other forms of distributed learning such as self-paced didactic training via the web. SCORM provides a partial solution to this problem by enabling the interoperation of technologies that facilitate self-paced distributed learning. A SCORM-conformant learning management system (LMS) can serve any SCORM-conformant training package to any standard web browser and track the performance of individual learners as they progress through this material. Moreover, an LMS can tailor the delivery of learning content in accordance with Sequencing and Navigation rules that dictate the order in which different content packages should be presented. However, SCORM only supports didactic training. It does not provide a process for configuring experiential training and assessment platforms to simulate scenarios and compute performance measures that specifically address the learning requirements of individuals and teams. Moreover, SCORM is exclusively focused on individual learners and does not provide a method for (a) representing the learning requirements of a group of individuals or (b) adjudicating between the (potentially conflicting) needs of multiple learners. In a Joint ADL Co-Lab project in which we investigated methods for enhancing SCORM-conformant technology to enable coordination of team MOUT training in a multiplayer game. We addressed two main challenges: (1) defining representations that can be used to configure simulations …

 

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S1000D SCORM Test Bed:  Integrated Development of Technical Publications and Training

2007 Paper No. 7418

 

Kevin Ruess, Bob Pokorny, Jackie Haynes

Intelligent Automation, Inc.

Rockville, Maryland

Tim Tate

Job Performance Technology Center

Alexandria, Virginia

 

Operating and maintaining modern weapon systems requires vast amounts of information. Technical publications must provide maintainers the information they need for complex equipment. The use of this data is expanding with the concept of “net-centric warfare.” The data is no longer paper; it is electronic and used in such things as simulations, 3D graphics, Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSS), and games. These materials change frequently over the life-cycle of the weapon system, and each sample will have its own variants of a common function (e.g., one squadron will have an updated radar system, while another will have an older version).  This technical documentation information is often represented within a Common Source Database (CSDB) in S1000D format, and current trends point toward wider adoption of S1000D.     The technical documentation has many functions within the information sources for modern equipment. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) funded the S1000D SCORM Test Bed project specifically to identify and evaluate methods for integrating S1000D-based technical manuals and SCORM-based training. The primary advantage of integrated S1000D and training development is that when technical documentation changes – and the technical publications and training content are explicitly linked – updating or changing specific sections of training content becomes much easier to manage.   To explore how the “trusted data” can be used for technical publications and training, we created a test bed with examples of integrated development of technical publications and training. We describe three different approaches to integrating technical documentation into training and the ways Program Managers should apply best practices for this integration into an example product. 

 

 

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Simulation, Training and the Evolving Net-Centric Information Exchange Standards

2007 Paper No. 7329

 

Jim Caylor

CAE USA Military Simulation & Training

Tampa, Florida

 

In April 2006, the Blue Force Tracking (BFT) Community of Interest (COI) got underway.  The kickoff meeting was hosted by the Army PEO Command, Control, Communications – Tactical at Fort Monmouth, NJ.  BFT COI advocates include Headquarters Department of the Army G-3 Battle Command, Headquarters Marine Corps C4, and Joint Forces Command.  The Army is the lead service for this Joint, multinational effort which encompasses all the Services, the DoD, NATO and representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel and the United Kingdom.  BFT is the “Employment of techniques to actively or passively identify and track US, allied, or coalition forces for the purpose of providing the combatant commander enhanced battlespace situational awareness and reducing fratricide.”  A COI is a “…collaborative group of users who must exchange information in pursuit of their shared goals, interests, missions, or business processes and who therefore must have shared vocabulary for the information they exchange.”  The purpose of the BFT COI is to develop, verify and implement an Information Exchange Standard (IES) that facilitates BFT information sharing across the battlespace that is “…visible, accessible, trusted, understandable and in accordance with the DoD Net-Centric Data Strategy”.  The purpose of this paper is to report to the I/ITSEC community on the BFT COI effort, the draft standard, and likely impacts on simulation and training.  Discussion topics include the relationship with other COIs, accommodating legacy systems, dealing with Service unique operational requirements, and compatibility with other standards such as the Joint Consultation Command & Control Information Exchange Data Model (JC3IEDM).    The work being done by the BFT COI is representative of Net-Centric Warfare (NCW) information sharing initiatives and approaches.  The paper concludes with a discussion of the role the simulation and training community could play in the development and implementation of similar net-centric information exchange standards.

 

 

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The Ripple Effect of Information Assurance (IA) on the Simulation World

2007 Paper No. 7365

 

Rebecca S. Chapman

CAE USA Inc.

Tampa, FL

 

Information Assurance (IA) has changed the simulation business for Department of Defense (DoD) simulator suppliers. IA impacts our system architecture design, engineering practices, engineering scope, subcontractor management, and changes the profile of our Contractor Operation and Maintenance Services (COMS) support. We must broaden our industry to become defenders of the valuable services our products provide to the war fighter.   Building a simulator from scratch that is robust enough (as defined in DoD regulations) to withstand the threats of Mother Nature, internal espionage, accidental destruction, and cyber-warfare is feasible. Building a robust simulator that is also operationally effective and efficient takes introspection, understanding, investment, and discipline.   Retrofitting a simulator with integrity, availability, and confidentiality controls (as defined in DoD regulations) is like a river of negotiations between DoD regulation requirements and budgetary constraints. The contractor, subcontractors, acquisitions group, user base, and accreditation authority must embrace the spirit of the regulations to both empower and defend the war fighter.   Maintaining a simulator’s Certification and Accreditation (C&A) profile, as well as maintaining the operational integrity of the trainer, requires an adaptation of the Contractor Operation and Maintenance Services (COMS) personnel skill set and duties.  Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), firewalls, Access Control Lists (ACLs), event correlators, network scanners, Antivirus mechanisms, and patch management must be supported and maintained as vigorously as any visual system display, motion platform, and environmental conditions.   This paper discusses the evolution of the simulation industry as it begins to address the increasing demand for defensive, network centric products and services.

 

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Adopting OneSAF as the Core Entity Driver for BLCSE

2007 Paper No. 7477

 

Robert C. Kleinhample

SAIC

Hampton, Virginia

 

Jose L. Palomino

SAIC

El Paso, Texas

 

The Battle Lab Collaborative Simulation Environment federation is replacing its primary entity driver OneSAF Testbed Baseline (OTB) with One Semi-Automated Force (OneSAF).  OTB is at the core of the Army Capabilities Integration Center’s (ARCIC) Battle Lab Collaborative Simulation Environment (BLCSE) federation.  Currently, the BLCSE federation has OTB at the core with about 14 other federates that depend on the entities and interactions provided by OTB.  The ARCIC Simulations Division envisions that OneSAF will not only replace OTB but will over time replace the functions provided by many of the other federates to create a more homogenous federation.  As OneSAF is introduced into a mature federation such as BLCSE, there are federation considerations and site considerations that must be managed.  This paper will address the BLCSE enterprise culture changes associated with procedures and challenges involved in community adoption.  Economies are gained by replacing OTB and eventually one or more other federates with OneSAF.  Configuration management procedures will have to be adopted to address users that are now able to compose behaviors of a simulation that are at the core of the federation.  This paper will also address how a BLCSE site such as the Future Force Integration Directorate (FFID) in Ft. Bliss, TX is conducting OneSAF training for users and technicians, modifying/introducing infrastructure, participating in integration and stress testing of ONESAF, and performing configuration management.  These activities and more are being synchronized and conducted to ensure a successful introduction and adoption of the primary entity driver, OneSAF, in the BLCSE federation.

 

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An Introduction to the NTSA Standards Standing Committee

2007 Paper No. 7129

 

Mike Finnern

L-3 Communications

Reston, Virginia

Tony DalSasso

U.S. Air Force TSPG

Dayton, Ohio

Roy Scrudder

M&S Coordination Office

Alexandria, Virginia

 

Bill Waite

The Aegis Technologies Group

Huntsville, Alabama

Jesse Citizen

M&S Coordination Office

Alexandria, Virginia

Eric Anschuetz

NAWCTSD

Orlando, Florida

 

As training and simulation technologies evolve, yielding systems of increasing functionality and intricacy, the interfaces within and among these systems have become correspondingly more complex.  In turn, the task of building simulation systems to be interoperable and supportable becomes an ever-greater challenge.  This circumstance has led the community to increase its interest in standards-based solutions as a means of controlling complexity, risk, and cost.     There are many niches where training and simulation-related standards are presently being defined and applied.  Various sectors of the community actively participate in a multitude of standards-development efforts, and these efforts frequently result in the successful implementation of beneficial standards.  However, each of these independent activities addresses standards only from a narrow perspective, such as Advanced Distributed Learning or Distributed Mission Operations.  It has been suggested that standards have the potential to yield even greater benefits, which the community might maximize by implementing a more systematic approach to their selection and promulgation.  Recognizing this situation, the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA), an organization representing the training and simulation industry, has formed a Standards Standing Committee (SSC).  The SSC’s role is to investigate standardization within a larger context, and provide advice on standards to its members.  Its membership currently includes personnel from Government and Academia as well as Industry, collectively representing the perspectives of the total training and simulation community. …

 

This paper is available on the 2007 I/ITSEC CD ROM.

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A Taxonomy to Aid Acquisition of Simulation-Based Learning Systems

2007 Paper No. 7132

 

Dr. Geoffrey Frank

RTI International

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

 

Simulations are increasingly being used for education and training a range of skills, including convoy driving, flying aircraft, repairing vehicles, and performing surgery. At the same time, the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is now required as the standard for U.S. Department of Defense Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI). Simulation-Based Learning Systems (SBLSs) are being developed that combine SCORM IMI for knowledge acquisition with simulations for experiential learning. The design of SBLSs requires weighing a range of issues, each with risks and benefits, to achieve a cost-effective result for a specific set of education or training requirements. However, different education and training requirements lead to different SBLS designs with different issues.  This paper describes a taxonomy that was developed to characterize different classes of SBLS designs and to identify design issues associated with each class. The taxonomy identifies each class of SBLS by a set of discriminators, which are grouped into three categories:   • System functionality discriminators (describe how the SBLS controls the simulation, provides the training content, and presents student assessments) • Human computer interface discriminators (describe how the student and the instructor interact with the system) • System environment discriminators (describe the location and ownership of simulation and learning management system assets, including servers, student and instructor client machines, and the network connecting these components).  This paper presents SBLS design issues, including risks and benefits, in the context of the six quality metrics—interoperability, accessibility, adaptability, reusability, durability, and maintainability—developed by the Advanced Distributed Learning consortium for the SCORM standard. Examples of SBLSs presented to the standards group are characterized using the taxonomy.

 

This paper is available on the 2007 I/ITSEC CD ROM.

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Network Centric Warfare Training – A Live Simulation Data Strategy

2007 Paper No. 7253

 

Paul Dumanoir

U.S. Army PEO STRI

Orlando, FL

 

NetOps is the operational construct that the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command will use to accomplish their Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) mission. NetOps enables Net-centricity by shifting the DOD from a “need to know” to a “need to share” paradigm. Net-centricity is the realization of a robust, globally interconnected network environment in which data is shared timely and seamlessly among users, applications and platforms. In today’s Department of Defense (DOD) it is becoming vitally important to incorporate these NetOps and Net-centricity concepts within our training doctrine to effectively train our Soldiers in a simulated Network Centric Warfare (NCW) training environment. This will enable our Soldiers to train as they fight by being exposed to an information superiority-enabled concept of operations that generates increased combat power by networking sensors, decision-makers and Soldiers. This paper describes several initiatives at the U.S. Army Program Executive Office (PEO) Simulation Training and Instrumentation (STRI) which focus on two of the NCW tenets: Net-Centric Enterprise Services (NCES), and Net-centric Data Strategy. In particular, this paper will discuss how the Live Training Transformation (LT2) initiative at PEO STRI is beginning to address a net-centric strategy for “live” training by evolving current live training product-line assets to support a data and enterprise services strategy required to provide an effective NCW training environment for the Soldier.  It is the intent of this paper to capture the experiences, to include successes and failures, while implementing this strategy to assist similar projects in the future and further the PEO STRI product line strategy.

 

This paper is available on the 2007 I/ITSEC CD ROM.

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Maintaining the Edge:  POSDC Operating a Learning Institution Management Model

2007 Paper No. 7265

 

Marcia R. Gibson

National Institute of Aerospace

Hampton, VA

Terresita Alston, MSEd

CIBER

Newport News, VA

 

Management as a creative problem-solving tool is accomplished through the application of five key management functions: planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling (POSDC). The intended result is the use of an organization’s resources in a way that accomplishes its mission and objectives. (James Higgins, The Management Challenge, Second Edition, 1994.)  This story presents the unique challenges faced in establishing the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Academy. The Academy’s purpose is to capture the lifetime experiences and knowledge of senior engineers and scientists, and to pass that information on to NASA’s current and next-generation technical workforce.  The challenges faced and shared through this paper include establishing an organizational structure with policies, processes, and procedures; identifying the leadership team and workforce needed to meet the Academy’s mission; and guiding development of a virtual learning experience that enhanced the skills and knowledge of the NASA workforce while facing the impending loss of over 45 percent of the current workforce by 2010.  This paper discusses five functions of management as they were and are applied to establishing and operating of the NESC Academy, including managing the knowledge capture, developing classroom courses, and creating and maintaining the virtual Academy through the Web site.  Since its inception in June 2005, the Academy has implemented a successful management approach as evidenced by evaluation results, including an independent third-party evaluation reported in December 2006.  This paper provides data that confirms the effectiveness of the current management approach as well as ideas for continuous improvement.

 

This paper is available on the 2007 I/ITSEC CD ROM.

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Validating the Electronic Combat Environment in Aircrew Training Devices

2007 Paper No. 7313

 

Michael R. Graham

29th Training Systems Squadron

Eglin AFB, FL

 

Glenn D. Cicero

Detachment 1, 53d Electronic Warfare Group

Nellis AFB, NV

 

Validating the electronic combat environment (ECE) in aircrew training devices (ATD) is a process that compares the operating parameters and performance of the electronic warfare (EW) portions of ATDs to the current intelligence assessment of threat weapons systems, documents the differences and assesses their impacts, and authenticates the representations and interactions. Real world threats are constantly evolving and EW reprogramming centers routinely update mission software to counter the developing threats. These changes and updates affect many different mission aspects regarding aircrew threat perceptions and reactions including detection, identification, and countermeasures effectiveness. This paper details the processes involved and illustrates the benefits of an ECE validation program for ATDs.

 

This paper is available on the 2007 I/ITSEC CD ROM.

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