General Dynamics Information Technology, the Joint ADL Co-Lab, MAK Technologies Inc., and mGen Inc., developed a Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) prototype. This prototype includes three Sharable Content Objects (SCOs) that incorporate a High Level Architecture (HLA) compliant simulation and are accessible from a Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) 2004 conformant learning management system (LMS). This paper will describe the processes and outcome of the prototype project.

Using Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) content, the SCOs present instruction and provide practice for Marine Corps S2 and S3 officers on how to produce Enemy Courses of Action (COA) and friendly COA. The students collaboratively learn about the MCPP and apply their knowledge by performing exercises in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force XXI (MAGTF-XXI) simulation. Upon completion of the training, the students run the game to analyze the Blue COA and then are assessed on their application of MCPP principles through a series of questions.

This paper will discuss the approach used to determine which portions of MCPP were appropriate to insert realistic training with simulation. Additionally, we will describe the methodology used to technically integrate HLA simulation into SCORM 2004 SCOs. As part of the prototype, a student assessment was developed using the HLA gaming simulation environment. This unique assessment strategy effectively measures the student's understanding of MCPP principles. The team discovered and documented several technical challenges as integration efforts were undertaken. The paper will describe how those challenges were overcome.

This paper will summarize the benefits available to the 21st Century Joint Force when incorporating realistic training using a collaborative simulation environment.