Virtual Individual and Collective Training for Future Force Warriors (Part of STO IV.SP.2003.06)

As described in the CSA Concepts for the Future Force (2001), "Technology is not a panacea. The integration of the human and technological enablers, as well as all of the DTLOMS areas, is critical to a successful transformation to the Future Force." Soldiers and leaders will need to be trained in both the operation of FFW equipment and in the tactics, techniques and procedures for using it in combat and non-combat operations. They will need to achieve and maintain a high level of proficiency, which indicates a need for training while deployed or deploying. Soldiers at the lowest levels may be making key decisions linking sensor information to weapons employment. Embedded training is seen as the centerpiece of Future Force and FFW training. There are few demonstrated instances of cost-effective embedded training in the Army today. Furthermore, the majority of the research and development focus is on embedded training hardware and software particularly for vehicles. Little attention has been paid to what and how to train using these embedded training systems. Existing guidelines for selecting tasks for embedded training are a decade old and are largely platform oriented. Their suitability for application to future soldier-oriented systems has not been determined.

This R&D unit addresses two "Training Capabilities" identified in the Future Combat Systems Statement of Required Capabilities:

• Enable operators, maintainers, unit leaders, and staff planners to be trained in system functions by leveraging any or a combination of networked, embedded, virtual, constructive, or live training mode anywhere, any time.
• Develop, through training and experience, the thinking, confident, versatile, adaptive, and seasoned leaders at the tactical level required for the digitized, rapidly deployable future force.

The effort will develop and evaluate procedures and techniques for using embedded training, low-cost simulation, and augmented reality to enhance the fighting capabilities of digitally equipped dismounted individual soldiers and leaders. This will include training for individual soldiers in the operation and use of technologically sophisticated individual weapons and equipment, and leader training in the tactics and techniques for their employment in combat.

In FY2004, we will:

• Complete revised guidelines for selecting tasks for embedded training
• Conduct initial experiments to investigate suitability and usability of technologies such as augmented reality and personal digital assistants
• Initiate development of innovative training approaches and strategies suitable for use with these technologies

Proponent: U.S. Army Infantry School
ARI Unit: Simulator Systems Research Unit

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