The Canadian Forces experience in the evolution of part-task training requirements is traced through a discussion of systems both in service and under development. These devices provide individualized training without tying up weapon system or full mission simulator resources. This is especially useful in multi-member crews where an intensive effort is required to train new crew members on specific functions. One example of such a system is the Acoustic Positional Trainer which is used to train sensor operators for the CP-140 Aurora anti-submarine warfare aircraft. New technology has recently been applied to this method of training to produce multi-purpose trainers which can be reconfigured to provide training for more than one system.

One application of this concept is the Tactical Procedures Trainer, a device which can be rapidly reconfigured into any one of several sub-systems to provide training for Aurora crew members on the various facets of anti-submarine warfare. Another developmental system is the Naval Tactical Display Emulator which grew out of a program to evaluate multi-purpose trainers for shipborne combat system operators using the latest display technology. The successes of this program and the Tactical Procedures Trainer have demonstrated the advantages of part-task training with low cost, multi-purpose, reconfigurable trainers. The paper concludes with lessons learned and the way ahead for part-task training in the Canadian Forces.