At the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center in Colorado Springs, an integrated architecture is being used that enables missile defense training to occur for warfighters from the element to above element level. As a relatively new warfighting capability, the Ballistic Missile Defense System requires a new Concept of Operations (CONOPS), training regimen, and an integrated, distributed training system to assure that warfighter training needs are met. Previously, missile defense elements working independently were able to train and develop processes that enable them to successfully perform their mission. As the world's knowledge of Ballistic Missile Defense increases and the possibility of potential threats increases, the ability to train in coordination with other elements is essential. Coordination issues such as preventing conflict, verification of sensor indications, and responsive actions cannot be fully practiced in a stand-alone environment.

This paper describes MDA's support to Combatant Commander training using exercises, wargames, and the distributed multi-echelon training system for sustainment. This paper provides an overview of various training systems employed in the distributed architecture; and discusses the methodology for determining the appropriate tactical hardware, virtual simulations and constructive simulations connected for training. Additionally this paper describes issues and lessons learned related to the integration of distributed systems and simulations in the missile defense domain.