A User's Guide to the Technical Training Schoolhouse Model
Abstract
Prior RAND research on AETC's management of enlisted training identified a lack of analytic tools to assess changes in the pipeline. That study recommended the development of two models. First, AETC needs a model of an actual schoolhouse system. Second, AETC needs a model of the entire training pipeline, from recruiting to on-the-job training at the operational units. The schoolhouse model grew out of the first recommendation. This document is a user's guide for the Excel-based front end used to organize and manage the detailed data for the Extend simulation model. AETC manages initial skills training across the Air Force. Broadly speaking, this consists of flying training and technical training across a wide range of career fields. Compared with flying training, technical training is a small training component in terms of dollars spent but huge in terms of the number of people trained. Flying training can cost $1 million or more per pilot, but only slightly more than 1,000 pilots per year undergo flying training. Technical training averages just $20,000 per student, but more than 30,000 students receive technical training in initial skills alone. Consequently, understanding and improving the operation of the technical training pipeline can have a significant impact on Air Force costs and on the quality of airmen undertaking their first assignments. We developed the schoolhouse model to assist in the planning and resourcing technical training. The model provides an entity-level simulation of an actual training group and its associated squadrons. The model simulates courses, plans of instruction, flights, instructors, training devices, and classroom facilities. Analysts can use the schoolhouse model to develop estimates of the resource requirements for initial skills training courses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA507431
Entities
People
- Bart Bennett
- Thomas Manacapilli
Organizations
- RAND Corporation