Simulation, C4I & Training
While simulation is a technology based capability, it remains an inherently human endeavour. The challenge for the modern day trainer is how to incorporate their simulation and C4I systems appropriately. Here at Meikai we support our clients to better understand Simulation enabled Training Design; ensuring they consider the purpose of simulation, the methods available, key learning outcomes and the challenges that come with integrating this type of technology.
Simulation
Simulation technologies integrate people and platforms across Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) applications to deliver enhanced training outcomes while minimising exposure to risk and excessive operating costs.
Simulation application areas broadly cover:
Simulation enabled training. Provision of LVC training simulation capabilities to train an organisation or integrated force in a robust combination of individual and collective competencies.
Decision support. Provision of simulation based planning, capability development and management tools to support routine business and planning.
Research and Development. Simulation support to operational and technical analysis throughout the design and development phases for future capability.
Experimentation. Provision of high fidelity Modelling and Simulation (M&S) tools, to evolve and test concepts, conduct force design activities and develop capability needs and requirements.
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Sectors such as Defence, Fire and Emergency Services, Mining and Health have traditionally incorporated simulation as part of a broader approach to the training and development of their people and capability. As technology advances, and costs associated with introduction into service drop, the ability to access high fidelity simulation will become more widespread than ever before.
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Moving forward, these large sectors will look towards the increased use of complex, connected and integrated simulation to ensure they remain effectively trained and equipped to meet the challenges and sophistication of their future operating environments.
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Designing complex simulation enabled training architectures and selecting the right system for the right job is what Meikai does best.
C4I
Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) is a broad and constantly evolving domain. Understanding the challenges and complexity within each domain (Land, Sea, Air, Cyber and Space) is essential when integrating operational C4I systems and training networks.
The team at Meikai are experienced with a range of Land based C4I systems and the security architectures that support them. They understand the applicable military standards associated with data flows in a networked military C4I environment and are able to describe networked communication from the physical implementation of transmitting bits across a communications medium to the representation of data on a distributed application.
Whether it be integration of operational C4I systems and training networks, cross domain solutions or identification of information flows and protocol requirements, the value of the Meikai team is in our experience and connections; if we don't have direct experience with a system, then we know someone who does.
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Training
As mentioned above, the challenge for the modern day trainer is how to appropriately incorporate their simulation and C4I systems in order to maximise the benefit for their training audience.
The key to good training, be it individual, small teams or large groups, is the underlying training design. Selecting the right training systems to achieve the right outcome is paramount to success, from both a cost and effectiveness perspective. To that end, there are some key drivers that should be considered when selecting training systems for procurement and integration:
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Efficiency Vs Effectiveness. Will the inclusion of the training system support an organisational efficiency driver ie. reduced operating costs associated with the training, or, will it support an enhanced training outcome that could not have been achieved without the use of that training systems eg. the training of cognitive resilience using simulation to rapidly tailor or adjust training scenarios to hold individuals in their optimised learning zone.
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Know the purpose of your training. Are you training procedural actions, the individual or the synchronisation /orchestration of effects? Defining the purpose of your training early in the design cycle will support selection of the appropriate system and avoid unnecessary cost overheads and/or negative training outcomes.
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Identify your Training Audience. Understanding who your Primary, Secondary and Tertiary training audiences are is important to the underlying training design. As with any business decision or military operation, your resources are weighted to support your Main Effort and prioritised to your secondary efforts accordingly. The same principle should apply to your training design and the allocation of systems and priority to your primary training audience.
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Here at Meikai we support our clients to better understand the complexities of Simulation enabled Training Design; ensuring they consider the purpose of simulation, the methods available, key learning outcomes and the challenges that come with integrating this type of technology.