Modeling and Simulation Conference Kicks Off

  • Published
  • By Brian Duke
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Orlando, Fla. --  With the motto "Prepare the Force-Secure the Future", the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference 2011 formally got under way Nov 29th here.  

The conference, which promotes cooperation among the Armed Services, industry, academia and various government agencies in pursuit of improved training and education programs, featured a keynote address by Lt. Gen. Keith C. Walker, Deputy Commanding General, Futures and Director, Army Capabilities Integration Center, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.

General Walker emphasized the evolution of training systems, stating, "We've really come a long way...the training revolution that accompanied the Army's Big Five--the M1 tank, M2 Bradley, the Patriot A-64 Attack Helicopter and UH-60 Utility Helicopter--the whole idea of virtual, constructed and live training, combined with the concept of combat training centers, really produced the Army and reflects the rest of the joint force that defeated Saddam Hussein in 100 hours in 1991, and so much more for our military."

Following the opening ceremonies, attendees were able to experience first-hand nearly 500 exhibits showcasing industry-leading technology, ranging from medical first-response and surgical training to serious games to disaster modeling for urban preparedness. Among the exhibits was a unique venue aptly named Warfighter's Corner, where selected military personnel from all services described their experiences in various deployed locations. Among those featured was Air Force Capt. Matt Tarnowski, a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft commander assigned to the 3d Airlift Squadron, Dover AFB, Delaware. He related his experiences participating in Operation Tomodachi, where United States Armed Forces provided disaster relief assistance and support to Japan following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. During the presentation, Captain Tarnowski was able to provide insight to Modeling and Simulation industry professionals to help improve future training systems delivery and integration.

Various training systems used by the U.S. Air Force, such as in-flight refueling and flight simulators, were prominently displayed in the 240,000 square foot complex. Among the exhibits, personnel from the Air Force Research Laboratory, headquartered at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, presented various modeling and simulation systems, as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics initiatives with partnering high-schools around the Dayton area.