Innovative C2 Training Solutions for Air Force Modular Control Systems

Abstract

Although the importance of command and control (C2) training has grown in recent years, many C2 organizations are having difficulty in meeting training requirements. A number of solutions have recently been proposed to provide effective training for the Air Force battle management crews responsible for tactical-level C2 in the Theater Air Control System (TACS) Modular Control Equipment (MCE). Some proposed solutions include intelligent tutors and standalone systems. Standalone systems currently do not provide training for the complete TACS MCE functionality. The most effective way to provide TACS training is to have the trainees employ the equipment they actually use, interfaced with the other entities, and all operating in a realistic synthetic battlespace. Although it has been possible to interface several operational modular control units together for operator training, these Systems Training Exercises (STEs) have typically involved a large investment of time and manpower for planning, scenario generation, and operation. In addition, these training exercises have been expensive. Joint Service Training Exercises (JSTEs) have involved an even greater investment of time, manning, and funding. The JSTE cost is so great that operators do not have an opportunity to participate on a regular basis. This paper will focus on the use of innovative training tools that could result in enhanced C2 training with minimal investment of time, manpower, or funding. The paper reports the success of a low-cost interface of the MCE with Joint Automated Forces (JSAF) and Distributed Mission Training, the use of this interface in an operational STE, the combination of this interface with a virtual reality capability for training, and future plans for expanded MCE training using these innovative tools.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA512586

Entities

People

  • Gary R. George
  • Rebecca B. Brooks
  • Richard A. Breitbach
  • Robert Steffes
  • Susan Pegg

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Battle Management
  • Command And Control
  • Computers
  • Control Systems
  • Engineering
  • Information Systems
  • Military Research
  • Military Science
  • Personnel Management
  • Simulations
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Training
  • Virtual Reality
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control