A major goal of the Future Combat System of Systems (FCS) embedded-training strategy is to develop a training capability that provides accurate, timely, relevant, and affordable training in support of operational needs. Embedded training will lay the foundation for Unit of Action training. Four training modes have been identified for FCS embedded-training, including: simulation-supported live, virtual, and constructive training and computer-supported interactive courseware. The training modes will be employed at varying frequency depending upon whether a unit is deployed, at a combat training center, or at its homestation. The resource requirements of simulation-based training make it very difficult to employ during deployment. As a result only interactive courseware is expected to have a high level of usage during deployment.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavior and Social Sciences developed the Think Like a Commander (TLAC) training program to improve battlefield thinking skills in Army officers. The training uses a multimedia, vignette-based approach that can be easily adapted and updated to provide training on the most current tools, techniques, procedures, and lessons learned. The TLAC training has been successfully implemented in the Armor Captains Career Course and the resident phase of the Armor Captains Career Course for the Reserve Component at Fort Knox, KY. Recent advancements to the method have resulted in a version capable of supporting distributed training. An examination of the distributed methods with 36 captains revealed significant performance gains. An ongoing effort is developing a set of vignettes to allow small groups and teams to train multinational operations. The TLAC training method is presented as a model for the interactive courseware embedded training system and an efficient alternative to full-scale simulation-based training.