The Air Force Operational Training Infrastructure (OTI) 2035 Flight Plan established the Air Force vision for future training and how best to achieve readiness. Annex L of the Flight Plan – entitled “Strengthen Joint/Interagency Interoperability”, has an objective to maximize the ability to conduct frequent, relevant and realistic Joint training through the interoperability of the operational training infrastructure. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force indicates a relevant and realistic operational training environment is a critical step to achieving readiness and also supports his priorities of strengthening Joint teams. Modeling and Simulation (Live, Virtual and Constructive) capabilities are integral components of the OTI and critical enablers to the readiness of our warfighters.
To fully meet the objective of frequent, relevant and realistic joint training multiple challenges must be addressed. There are ongoing efforts to offer technical solutions to specific joint interoperability problems such as standards, common authoritative data, cybersecurity, and modifications to our various simulations and simulators. These technical efforts need to continue, but DoD must overcome challenges pertaining to policy and instructions that drive joint training requirements. Concentration on Air Force policy and instructions is occurring. Based on preliminary reviews of existing Air Force policy and instruction, more tightly coupled, overarching policy directives are required for frequent joint training. Additionally, initial findings indicate in some cases when joint training occurs, it is not seamlessly managed or recorded within the Air Force
We hypothesize that the policy issue spans the Services as it pertains to joint training. Without closely coupled joint training policy across the entire DOD, frequent, relevant joint training is at risk. The proper mix of directives and Joint Mission Task Lists will guide joint training and increase readiness. This paper will identify gaps between DoD and service joint training guidance and provide solutions for closing the seams.