PC-based tactical simulations provide war-gaming environments but do not deliver training any more than would a Combat Training Center with only engagement feedback (e.g., ammunition expended, number of kills). For maximum learning to occur, human facilitators are needed to provide tailored guidance and feedback. For simulations, intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) may perform many of the same tutoring and AAR functions of the observer/controllers. However, the time and expense to develop and incorporate an ITS into existing simulations has been a deterrent. A more promising approach is to develop a reusable ITS module that can 'plug-into' existing simulations. This approach could leverage the millions of dollars spent on developing simulations and turn them into more effective training environments with intelligent virtual coaches. The DARPA DARWARS program is funding V-CTC to demonstrate this potential.

V-CTC is designed to be plug-compatible with existing PC-based tactical simulations, requiring only minimal developer modifications. V-CTC 'observes' user GUI actions via software connectors. An event data stream sends internal information from the simulation via sockets. These events trigger rules that make tactical inferences, detect violations of doctrine, and determine tutorial strategies. The tutor can pause the simulation to probe user reasoning, resolve ambiguities in user intentions, or provide timely coaching and mini-lessons. V-CTC also provides individualized AARs regarding tactics, techniques, and procedures. The tutor performs deductive reasoning (not fixed decision trees) on an ontology-based knowledge representation. This approach supports deeper reasoning and promotes reusability and extensibility. Customization is supported by a Bayesian student model consisting of performance, knowledge, and self-assessment measures. The initial demonstration for the V-CTC concept is a combined-arms warfare tutor at the battalion and company level and is demonstrated with an adapted version of the high-fidelity tactical simulation, Armored Task Force.