Tactical Training for the Army National Guard

The U.S. Army National Guard (ARNG) faces significant training problems. Their unit training time is typically restricted to 39 days annually. In addition, the expense associated with the use of actual equipment (e.g., fuel, ammunition) makes field training a luxury. In fact, many units do not have access to the facilities required for conducting tactical training in the field.

In response to this problem, the U.S. Congress provided for the creation of the Virtual Training Program at the Mounted Warfare Simulation Training Center in Fort Knox, Kentucky. In order to address ARNG needs, this program is intended to:

1. Compress training by providing a 'turnkey' training management component;
2. Distribute training by providing advance materials for home station preparation, detailed after-training summary reports, and the option of implementation at mobile training facilities;
3. Modernize training by the leveraged use of virtual and constructive simulations and multimedia training programs, and;
4. Focus on critical tasks beginning with the initial design phase and incorporate that focus in observation tools, exercise control guidance, and after action reviews.

A consortium of contractors, including HumRRO, BDM Federal, and PRC designed and developed the required program under the sponsorship of the U.S. Army Research Institute's (ARI) Armored Forces Research Unit. The objectives were achieved by means of several key design features:

1. The training is simulation based. By using virtual and constructive simulation technologies, the unit can perform in a realistic tactical environment with simulated terrain, enemy, weapons effects, and movement.
2. The training is structured. Careful attention to critical tasks during the design phase meant that all of the program components were focused on training those tasks.
3. A complete training support package (TSP) was constructed. The TSP contains not only the specifications and electronic files that control the simulation itself in order to cue critical task performance, but also guidance and materials for unit preparation, observer guides, after action review materials, and so on.

Between 1993 and 1996, the library of exercises grew to cover a wide array of command levels and unit types. All of the simulations derive from a common set of higher-echelon missions, using virtually the same task organization, terrain, and enemy situation. The focus is on execution of the mission and employment of the unit's maneuver forces.

Currently, the training support package is in continual use throughout the year. Along with ARNG units, active component units have incorporated the program into their training strategies.