In this paper we will demonstrate how simulation can upgrade the learning process substantially when used according to principles of Job Oriented Training (JOT). The context is instruction for Air Defense (AD) Platoon Commanders. We describe a practical co-operation between instructors, educational and technical specialists in an integrated approach to curriculum- and simulation development. Furthermore we discuss the result of a try out and clarify the role that the tactical trainer plays in the curriculum.

Currently, military jobs put high demands on human performance and expertise development. Considering this context, the value of good training is obvious. The JOT philosophy is based on modern insights about learning and human development. It puts the learner, their responsibility and performance on the job, at its centre. It supports 'natural learning' by making use of the self learning ability of people. Although JOT shows clear results and is supported by people's intuitions, in daily practice training developers and instructors seem to be constricted to more traditional, content driven and instructor centered, training paradigms. An often used argument is that traditional training is less time consuming. In a traditional setting, simulation is often employed late in the curriculum and, from the perspective of learning, not used to its full potential. We demonstrate how the tactical trainer, because of the possibilities of simulation and when used early in the curriculum, increases the efficiency of learning significantly.

We argue that the bond between simulation and JOT helps realize modern requirements of training. On the one hand the JOT approach guarantees effective use of simulation. On the other hand, and more importantly perhaps, simulation helps demonstrate the strength of JOT to professionals in the training field and is therefore a tool for the implementation of modern insights about learning in the daily practice of training.