Networked simulation to support combat mission training is now a reality at the 58th Special Operations Wing (58 SOW). As part of Annual Refresher Training (ART), trainees perform a challenging tactical mission (airland at night in a medium threat environment) in which four weapon system trainers (WSTs) are netted together: an MH-53J Pave Low, MH-60G Pave Hawk, MC-130P Combat Shadow, and a TH-53A. The latter is used as a dynamic aggressor aircraft. To determine the effectiveness of integrated simulation, nine sessions of ART—totaling 99 crewmembers (pilots, flight engineers, navigators, communications specialist)—were observed over four months. Crews completed a two-page questionnaire where they rated the value of networked simulation to support the training of 33 mission elements (airdrop, terrain familiarization, crew coordination, threat evasion, systems malfunctions, etc.). Crews also critiqued the strengths and weaknesses of networked training for the briefing, planning, execution, and debriefing phases of the mission.

The results of the survey strongly support the value of networked training in a number of key areas: multiship tactics, aerial refueling operations, formation flight, situation awareness, command & control, and mission team coordination. However, crew comments and our own observations also revealed a number of areas where the delivery of networked training can be improved. These include a more cohesive mission briefing, establishment of clear-cut training objectives, incorporation of emergency procedures into the scenario, and a "leveling" of task demands across crew positions and weapon systems.