of course matching the configuration to the latest weapon system capabilities. Spencer’s division in the 711th Human Performance Wing is managing research projects that are designed to better facilitate the use of modeling and simulation techniques in today’s and tomorrow’s training systems. Research that manages or enhances student learning methods, for example, invites greater use of M&S. Tying live, virtual and constructive entities together also addresses other warfighter needs. The TSPG must establish appropriate and executable plans to transition the fruits of research into technical requirements that my team can then apply to acquisition and sustainment contracts.
the Warfighter Readiness Research Division under the leadership of Colonel Spencer, is responsible for conducting research to facilitate the use of M&S technology in our training systems. My organization, the Simulators Division, is now responsible for operating and maintaining the Air Force’s fielded systems—incorporating new technologies when appropriate—and acquiring new training simulator systems when warfighter requirements dictate. Q: How does using modeling and simulation help the warfighter overcome challenges and accomplish mission objectives out in the field?
Q: What are the most pressing challenges to the TSPG in 2012? A: The TSPG’s challenges are not unlike those facing the broader Air Force, namely how best to prosper and serve in a time of fiscal austerity. Every office and leader is being challenged to find more efficient means to execute their programs. In my opinion, this simply places an even higher emphasis than normal on planning. Q: What new programs or initiatives are planned to be implemented in the near future?
A: In general terms, modeling and simulation provide the warfighter a spectrum of options for training that may not otherwise exist or may be becoming rapidly unaffordable. From weapon and mission familiarization to large force combat exercise and rehearsal, M&S provides reliable, repeatable, safe and effective training. Today, budget realities are forcing our warfighters to migrate training from the actual weapons system and into training simulators whenever and wherever possible. We need to continue to partner with the M&S community and harness their M&S advances to meet the warfighters’ growing requirements for realistic, immersive, end-to-end training capabilities.
A: In May, we briefed interested industry partners on upcoming TSPG workload. One new effort is Q: If the TSPG had a wish list, what are a fresh start attempt to deliver the the top three things on that list and why? badly-needed Joint Terminal Controller Training Rehearsal System. As for initiatives, we are quite seri- C-130 Aircrew Training System Cockpit (Simulators Division) [Photo courtesy of DoD] A: Good question! The TSPG is all about delivering capability and providing trainous in our attempts to implement ing. Anything that supports those goals would be on the wish list. the Office of Secretary of Defense’s Better Buying Power initiatives. Robust resourcing would probably be the first wish, starting with What this means to the training system enterprise is that we’ll see enough for the warfighter to truly leverage what M&S has to offer. more competition, more small business involvement, and shorter Closely related at number two would be resources that ensure we in contract lengths than was the case just a decade ago. the TSPG are able to accomplish all our goals in the time allotted. Third would be more environmental stability. The pace of motion Q: How does the TPSG work with private industry to help achieve and change in all facets of our daily lives mean that we as individuals its goals? and organizations never quite reach our maximum potential. In my mind, less churn would result in more effectiveness. A: Private industry is the arsenal of democracy. The private sector M&S community is particularly robust, so that much of what we Q: How will the TSPG’s strategies be modified with the conflicts do in the TSPG is apply to our training systems what has already in Iraq and Afghanistan drawing down? been developed. When needed, however, we can make use of Small Business Innovation Research contracts with industry. These are A: I don’t anticipate the drawdown affecting the path that the TSPG small projects that encourage innovation in areas of niche interis currently on—or the M&S community at large, for that matter. est. Finally, there are numerous forums, both formal and informal, There is a general consensus that M&S in our training systems is where TSPG members engage with industry partners to look into here to stay and more is likely better. Where and what to add and the future, address pressing issues, or discuss opportunities. Supmore importantly, how much can we afford, will be the key quesporters from Team Orlando and the NDIA’s National Training and tions coming out of the drawdown. Simulation Association have been strong conduits for such interaction. Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? Q: Can you describe what the TSPG does to provide the warfighter A: Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspectives with the with a full range of training system life cycle support? broader enterprise. I hope my thoughts resonate with readers and provide the basis for further discussion within our community. We A: Together, the TSPG covers the full range of training system life are all interested in improving military training technology. O cycle support. The 711th Human Performance Wing, and specifically 18 | MT2 17.5
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