Bold Quest (BQ) is a Joint Staff J6 coalition capability demonstration and assessment event focused on improving joint fires interoperability in a coalition environment. It provides a rich operational environment for assessing new training and simulation technologies, integrated with live command and control systems.

BQ 22 built on the successes of the last several years’ work to create interoperable Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) environments, breaking new ground in multi-domain integration between simulated and live forces. The Ft. Stewart Mission Training Complex, 15 ASOS, Colmar Urban Training Center, and DOD experimental vessel, Stiletto, all served as execution locations. The Royal Netherlands Army provided a live instrumentation system (Tactical Engagement Simulation System (TESS)), worn by live units on the ground. TESS allowed virtual and constructive participants to see, react to, and engage live players. The 57 Operations Group provided immersive Advanced Training and Tactics for Combat Kills (iATTACK), which pushed simulated video to a live video downlink. Simulated units exchanged Link 16 messages with live participants, thanks to a J6 JAD software that translated Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol C (JREAP-C) and the Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) Link 16 protocols.

As a “capstone event” highlighting these mixed LVC capabilities, 165 ASOS executed a live Precision Strike Team (PST) scenario, using all these integrating capabilities. The live PST JTAC team at Colmar communicated via HF voice and Link 16 with a small C2 cell at the Fort Stewart MTC. That C2 cell communicated via DIS radio with the virtual MQ-9 crew at Hurlburt and the 132 Combat Training Squadron at Des Moines, IA, who played the role of Ground Force Commander (GFC).

This paper describes the lessons learned in conducting mixed LVC events, proposes some long-term implications of distributed mission training, and outlines future ways to improve coalition force interoperability and readiness.

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Military Rank Sander Cruiming