According to the Commandant’s Planning Guidance for 2015, FRAGO 01-2016, his intent is, “…for Marines to encounter their initial ethical and tactical dilemmas in a simulated battlefield vice actual combat.� Suitability of simulation systems and their capability to deliver on this demand depends on accurate identification of capability gaps and affordances. Identification of these capability gaps and affordances have traditionally focused on simulators in standalone configurations. However, the shift toward Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) training conducted within Distributed Mission Training Environments and System-of-System (SoS) configurations demands new, standardized procedures to assess suitability and effectiveness. This paper is the second of three assessments of a multi-phased effort led by TECOM in collaboration with Program Manager Training Systems, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One, and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One. Extending results from the first effort, and to support validation of a strategy for SoS accreditation, this paper presents results of an assessment of SoS capability within the framework of TALONEX 218. During TALONEX 2-18, the focus was on Marine Pilots and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACS) using Virtual Battlespace 3 simulation software training in conjunction with a Battalion Staff via high-fidelity flight simulators (UH-1Y and AH-1Z), as well as AV-8B weapons system trainers. Outcomes of this SoS evaluation include a standardized evaluation methodology to support VV&A of SoS configurations, lessons learned for future integrated training, and identification of improvements for current training systems. Resource sponsors, developers, operational and support commanders, designers, users, and other stakeholders will benefit from these results as they develop and employ other LVC assets and evaluate capabilities of other SoS evolutions. Recommendations for optimizing training value by improving training design with performance metrics for elements such as communication and coordination, to objectively assess collective performance-oriented standards of tactical and technical competencies, are also provided. Key Words: Training Systems Evaluation, Technology Capability Assessment, LVC, VV&A
VALIDATING DISTRIBUTED MISSION SIMULATION IN A TACTICAL INTEGRATED TRAINING ENVIRONMENT
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