AFRL showcases integrated training capabilities at I/ITSEC conference Published Dec. 7, 2010 By Elizabeth Long 711th Human Performance Wing ORLANDO, Florida -- Researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing are developing science and technology solutions to improve the ability of warfighters to realistically train as they would fight while reducing costs and increasing the availability of training systems through integrated training. The Human Effectiveness Directorate's Warfighter Readiness Research Division showcased its integrated training capabilities at the 2010 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education conference (I/ITSEC) which was held in Orlando, Fla. The demonstrations centered on the Division's concept of a family of complimentary trainers that are open and flexible using a variety of tools and technologies available from many sources. The demonstration linked Division and partner tools and technologies such as Remotely Piloted Aircraft mission training devices together with other relevant devices, such as Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and Airborne Warning and Control System trainers in integrated theater combat operations training research set of scenarios. "The combination of these training devices and the application of open standards and gateways create a realistic and flexible enterprise in which more robust scenarios can provide warfighters with more comprehensive and cost-effective training," explained the technical advisor for continuous learning and performance assessment research with the Warfighter Readiness Research Division. During the conference AFRL researchers utilized a distributed network to pull in participants and partners from other U.S. services -- and from an allied nation -- to permit them to rehearse highly complex scenarios using a mix of local and distant virtual and constructive players. An instructor sensor operator on an MQ-9 Reaper simulator during one of the demonstrations was impressed with the integrated scenario. "It is good to be able to expose students to the various platforms and assets working together," he said. "In the theater, you sometimes have multiple platforms - this integrated training is a good portrayal." An Air National Guard pilot flew an A-10C Thunderbolt jet fighter in one of the scenarios. "It is good training in that you can talk to the JTAC to see where you are at and where you are holding, to have deconfliction and work with other assets like the Remotely Piloted Aircraft and various jet fighters," he explained. In one scenario at the conference, a variety of technologies in the AFRL booth are connected with Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) research partners in seven other booths. The scenario also included a distributed, long-haul connection to a coalition partner, the Swedish Air Force, which connected the Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI Unit for Combat Simulation/Swedish Air Force Combat Simulation Centre (FLSC) in Stockholm, Sweden to the conference floor to demonstrate distributed training and interaction potentials. The various players were connected to provide support in a scenario involving escort and protection of persons from a Non-Governmental Organization who came under attack by insurgents. A JTAC who participated in the scenarios sees immense value in the integrated training capabilities that pull from many sources. "It is great to see all the players all seeing the same picture, the same scene," he said. "I liked how we could hand off targets back and forth."