Embedded training is a key requirement for many future and current force systems, making it a very important capability for Army transformation. Despite its importance, few demonstrations or tests have been conducted on which to base embedded training systems implementation.

For the past five years, the US Army Research Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC) has researched embedded training solutions applicable to individual Soldiers and small teams. To assess the utility of these solutions under field operating conditions STTC sought and found a meaningful culminating event in the Army's premier live discovery experiment, the Air Assault Expeditionary Force (AAEF) experiment.

Three dismounted embedded training prototypes were selected for use in AAEF. The first was an immersive, virtual, untethered, Soldier-worn system, interoperable with other Army simulation systems. The second system was a tablet computer-based system that provided leader mission planning and walkthrough. Both these systems displayed a high fidelity virtual terrain database of the McKenna training area at Ft. Benning where most of the AAEF experiment was conducted. The third application was a first-person shooter game engine modified to operate on the Soldierworn prototype and supporting workstations.

During the experiment the Soldiers used these systems for mission planning, mission rehearsal and after action review of the rehearsal before carrying out live AAEF missions. Generally, the Soldiers' reactions were positive toward the systems and the systems were seen to have potential for future development. The resultant feedback from this experiment can direct Army research and implementation of embedded training

This paper will discuss AAEF, the embedded training systems used there and the manner in which these systems were used. It will provide anecdotal and questionnaire-based Soldier feedback of their impressions of the training technologies. Finally, it will summarize lessons learned and suggest future research topics.