The United States military is maintaining an unprecedented operational tempo. Our service members are currently spending more time deployed and less time training (Lewis, 2006). This may result in a decreased state of readiness and a significant disadvantage as deployments are extended and service members are away from training opportunities for longer periods of time. In fact, 28 percent of military units identify deployments as a major cause of readiness reduction (United States General Accounting Office, 1996). To improve readiness, priority must be given to training opportunities for deployed service members (Taylor, 1997). This translates to providing deployable training systems that meet several constraints for carrier-based F/A-18 squadrons, while still allowing aircrews to receive tactical training necessary to stay proficient across all skill sets. We administered a questionnaire to 77 Navy operational F/A-18 aircrews in order to assess the skill areas that require training while deployed, and to specify the preliminary physical and functional design of the system. The results reveal that two types of trainers need to be developed to provide the necessary training across all identified gaps, predominantly tactical procedures, for deployed squadrons. One trainer should be small and portable, suitable for instruction in tactical procedures and mission rehearsal. The other system should be larger, with a high degree of physical fidelity, and stationed permanently aboard the carrier to provide a platform for standard aircraft operating procedures.

Author's Note: The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the organizations with which they are affiliated.