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July 2001 - Simulation and Training: The Aviation Warfighting Simulation Center
by Maj. Gen. Anthony Jones
For the aviation branch to be dominant across the full operational spectrum, we must have a training aids, devices, simulators and simulations (TADSS) strategy that supports leader and unit proficiency through multiple complex environments. The U.S. Army Aviation Center's new Aviation Warfighting Simulation Center (AWSC) will be a centerpiece to our strategy, and will house our baseline "system of systems" training architecture that will seamlessly integrate individual and collective training. It will provide the necessary simulation tools for training Army aviation professionals to participate as part of the joint- and combined-arms team. Our current AWSC will move out of its World War II-era wooden structure into its new home, which is scheduled for completion in March 2002. The military construction project data was first submitted in November 1993. Since then, a great deal of work and support has led to this reality. The new training facility, at 65,000 square feet, provides more than three times the training space of the current AWSC and will represent a significant part of the aviation synthetic training environment. The AWSC will enable leaders to train and warfight in a seamless environment of live, virtual and constructive simulation. Live training is represented by six fully digital Tactical Operation Centers (TOCs) for use by commanders and staffs during synthetic training exercises. The TOCs will allow units to review and execute the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) under scenario-unique conditions, and train soldiers as Army Battle Command System (ABCS) information integrators and battle command decision makers.
Constructive training will consist of Janus and Brigade/Battalion Battle Simulation (BBS), which will be upgraded to One Semi-Automated Force (OneSAF) and Warfighters Simulation (WARSIM) in fiscal year 2004. Our endstate is to create a strong situational experience background to develop aviation leaders and enable them to successfully plan and execute any mission. The AWSC will bring us another step towards the completion of a robust aviation synthetic training environment. Our vision calls for one more major simulation training site, the Comanche Training Facility, to join the Aviation Test Bed, Air Maneuver Battle Lab, Goodhand Simulator Building, Simulation Integration Lab and ARI Rotary Wing Aviation Research Unit. The simulation complex will provide soldiers a training environment in which to exercise and validate new aviation warfighting doctrine for the aviation battalions and brigades of the future. It will also allow the integration and tactical development of future systems such as the Comanche, Future Transport Rotorcraft (FTR) and Manned/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) teaming. As we implement and execute our aviation digital training strategy, the AWSC will focus on institutional leader development training for our NCOs, warrant officers and officers in the BNCOC, ANCOC, WOAC, OBC, Captains Career Course, and Pre-Command Course. It aims to place soldiers in real-life scenarios to highlight their ability to make good decisions under the pressure of tense military situations, and afford them the opportunity to exercise their warfighting skills in a realistic, robust and interactive environment. In addition, the AWSC's virtual and constructive capabilities will employ the full range of weapon systems and effects against a noncooperative, capabilities-based Opposing Force (OPFOR). The goodness of this synthetic training and exercise environment will impact not only aviation and the active component, but also the reserve component and our sister services. They can use the AWSC and the simulation complex to interact, develop and validate new doctrine across the combined and joint spectrum of operations. When digitally linked to other simulation sites, we will be able to train forces and develop tactics, techniques and procedures that will enhance combat effectiveness for future contingency operations. As we look into the future, the development of new simulation and simulator technology will provide the essential tools to train individual aviators and aircrews. More importantly, this technology will allow air and ground units, including staffs, to collectively train for a myriad of combat and stability and support operations under some of the most trying environmental conditions found. Our simulations effort is a necessary investment to ensure we provide the force highly motivated aviation soldiers and leaders, equipped with modern systems and trained to world-class proficiency, capable of strategic responsiveness and the ability to dominate across the full spectrum of operations. The AWSC will enable leaders and aircrews to fight their combat systems as part of a joint and combined-arms team. This new training facility will take us to another level of training fidelity as we transform into the objective force for the 21st century.
Maj. Gen. Anthony R. Jones is commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker, Ala., and chief of the aviation branch.
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The
use of simulations and simulators is a priority for the Army and
the aviation branch. Our branch continues to lead the Army in the
use of simulations and simulators for individual and aircrew
training events. Aviation is at the forefront in the use of
simulation for collective training in the live, virtual and
constructive domains.
