Fort Benning, Home of the Soldiers, Leaders and Families from the Best Army in the World! Fort Benning, Home of the MCoE Unclassified GAMING IN LEADER DEVELOPMENT ARMY GAME TECH CONFERENCE BG JAMES ARMOR COMMANDANT
Dec 17, 2015
GAMING IN LEADER DEVELOPMENT
ARMY GAME TECH CONFERENCE
BG JAMESARMOR COMMANDANT
KNOW THE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
• Innovative, adaptive, globally connected, and networked threats embedded in the population
• Diverse combination of regular forces, irregular forces and criminal elements all unified to achieve mutually benefitting effects
• Engage at small unit level where they perceive a greater chance to obtain overmatch and achieve success
• Increased reliance on ATGMs, robotics, IEDs, and unmanned aerial systems
• Layers of multiple interconnected networks (financial, political, criminal, gangs…)
• Employ electronic warfare to counter US precision by jamming GPS and communications networks and exploiting cyber capability
• Use underground facilities to increase protection• Conduct sophisticated information campaigns
designed to erode US will over time
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ALC 2015 CENTRAL IDEA: ADAPTABILITY
Adaptable Soldiers and Leaders
Adaptive Development and Delivery Systems
Sustained Adaptation
Unified Quest
Campaign of
Learning
Lessons Learned
Learning Research
Thinking Soldiers – Learning Army!
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CURRENT GAMES
Programs of Record• Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2)*• UrbanSIM*Technologies of Interest• Enhanced Dynamic Geo-Social Environment (EDGE)• Emergent Leader Immersive Training Environment (ELITE)• DiGUY• Aegis Vampire• Steel Beasts• Decisive Action Brigade Level (DABL)• Crucible of Command• Train as you Fight• Elusive VictoryVirtual Systems Integration• Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT)*• Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT)*• Call for Fire Trainer (CFFT)*
* - Program of Record
ARMY GAMING FOR COLLECTIVE TRAINING
VBS2 is the GFT Flagship Application
Most widely utilized simulation in our MTCs
Company level collective training
BN/BDE collective training
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Fort Benning, Home of the MCoE
Unclassified
AO Apache
AO Bandit
AO Crazyhorse
AO Destroyer
PL Rams
316th Cavalry BrigadeArmy Reconnaissance Course Live/Virtual Integration
Unclassified
Operation BlackJack: Integration of Live and Virtual Training
Mounted Route Recon (East)Dismounted Reconnaissance (West)
Mounted and Dismounted R&S Opn Screening Operations
Use of Supporting Assets-Joint/Surface Fires in gaming environ
Phase I Phase II
Phase III Phase IV
Ph IV Screening operations conducted using Virtual Battlespace 2 gaming system.6
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Fort Benning, Home of the MCoE
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316th Cavalry Brigade
MISSION: 316 CAV BDE incorporates Human Simulation Software to improve training using gaming technology in ABOLC, ARC, and CLC.
INTENT: The purpose is to add human characteristics and patterns of life activity to simulate real world challenges faced when conducting Unified Land Operations. Incorporating this software within VBS-2 framework improves human dimension training in 316 CAV and compliments future ASAT training in ABOLC.
ENDSTATE: Human Simulation Software incorporated into all applicable VBS-2 training in 316 CAV.
METHOD: Contracted Expertise
• We are finalizing the acquisition packet to initiate a contract with DI-Guy in order to incorporate the software suite within our reconnaissance training strategy. Currently working through G6 to certify software on the Army Network
• Estimated cost is $121,250K. 2ea Small Unit Leader Interface (SULI) Station $45,0002ea BIO Metrics Intelligence Database (BID)& Intelligence Report Tracker (IRT) Module $5,0002ea Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) Module $5,000One week training class on-site for up to six students $10,0001ea Floating license (Upgrade DI-Guy License from node-locked to floating) = $1,2501 Year Software Maint
• Pilot execution ~ 60-90 days from contract award
Adding the Human Dimension to Gaming Training
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NCOADeveloping Critical Thinking in an Enhanced Dynamic
Geo-Social Environment (EDGE)
• Persistent 24/7 training capability• Training at the point of need• Training and enablers from multiple locations
Lesson Objective: Demonstrate complex problem solving skills through the application of critical and creative thinking in a tactical scenario that involves Attack the Network concepts while engaged in Unified Land Operations.
Problem Solving + Immersive Learning
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EDGE IS: A government-owned prototype designed to provide a highly accurate Virtual Environment representing relevant Operational Environments utilizing the latest Massively Multiplayer Online Gaming (MMOG) to complement existing Army training methodologies.
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Instructor- FacilitatedAAR
15 minutes
ClassroomInstruction
30 minutes
ELITE &Group Practice
10 minutes
• Introduce learning objectives• Review concepts, processes,
principles• Show case examples
• Individual trainee practices in immersive environment
• Rest of class following along and choosing their own COA using “clickers”
• Instructor monitoring and interjecting during experience as necessary
• Review exercise (individual and class)
• Reinforce concepts, processes & principles
• Provides feedback to entire class
Additional Repetitions
Emergent Leader ImmersiveTraining Environment (ELITE)
Enhances junior leader’s abilities in the perishable skill of counseling Soldiers while giving them “free” iterations in a simulated environment
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Unclassified
MCoE IMMERSIVE LEARNING LAB
The Immersive Learning Lab (ILL) run by DOTD provides an environment to assess technologies to determine which products best support the Maneuver Force.
No ‘silver bullet’ - allows MCOE to leverage new technology and effectively integrate multiple initiatives to find the best solution for the most realistic training.
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LINKING VIRTUAL AND LIVE
• Individual Avatars’ performance determined by height, weight, weapons QUAL, and PT scores
• VBS-2 battle demonstrated major performance differences between current generic Avatars and Avatars modified to represent actual Soldier data
Current Avatar
Next Avatar
• Soldier Load• Qualifications (Driver, Crew, Maint, Grenade) Go/NoGo• Task Org, Enabler Integration• Team/Crew stabilization• OE Integration (landscape, friendly, enemy, neutrals)• Soldier motivation and goal setting• Collective Training (force on force, Rehearsals)• Automated Resiliency Score Sheet
Near Term Cost Estimate for Further Experimentation and Development : $TBD
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Gaming enables:• complex environment replication• repetition in changing conditions• distributed capability• effective training with reduced resources
CONCLUSION
QUESTIONS
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Unclassified
FUTUREApprox. 2017-2028
Simulations that Supportthe Squad
An Emerging Training StrategyThe Squad: Foundation of the Decisive Force
A Challenge for All Three Domains
C-IED/ASAT• Attack the Network
•Shadow Boxes• Petting Zoo
• Dismounted IED Lanes
VBS2/VBS2 FIRES• Squad Tactics
• Collective Training• Mission Rehearsal
•Planned Fires
EST• Marksmanship
• Coordination of Fires• Shoot-Don’t-Shoot
HEAT• Rollover drills
HITS• Live Training AAR•Blended Training
IEWTPT/HCC• Soldier Modeling
• Responds to questions with answers • Role Player Avatar
• Cross CoE Coordination
CFFT II/AVCATT• Conduct fire support missions
• Plan Fires
DSTS/CCTT/RVTT• Collective Training
• Weapons Employment• Mission Rehearsal
CDT• Driving Course
• All-Terrain Driving• Vehicle Commands
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MANEUVER FORCE TRAINING STRATEGY(INSTITUTIONAL DOMAIN)
Individual Soldier:• Mental
• Physical
• Moral-Ethical
• Socio Cultural
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RealismHuman Dimension
MCoE Staff: • Planning
• Execution
• Administration
• Transition
Leader (BCT and Below):• Agile & Adaptive
• Lead
• Manage
• Develop Self & Subordinates
Fusion
Reduce Overhead (Aggregate Units)Maintain Realism
Add Enablers
EST 2000,DSTS, HITS,
Games for Training
ALOTT,Games for Training
Games for TrainingALOTT, CCTT/DSTS, HITS,
Immersive Learning Lab (ELITE)
• Integrate EAB and JIIM enablers via LVCG for Staff and Leader Training• Link to other CoEs as required• Develop Critically Thinking, Agile, and Adaptive Soldiers and Leaders
Fort Benning, Home of the Soldiers, Leaders and Families from the Best Army in the World!
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Unclassified
DIGITAL APPS
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• Goal Setting and Soul Strong Apps already developed
• 19 Digital Apps currently under development:• Cultural Awareness (Negotiation/ Use of Interpreters)• Ranger Patrol Assessment• M1A2 and Bradley (Prep to Fire Checks/Gunnery Skills Test) • FDC Procedures/ Forward Observer (interactive GTAs)• Critical Thinking
• 13 additional Apps being resourced for future development
Exploits technology, saves money, and provides information and resources for Soldiers and leaders.
Fort Benning, Home of the Soldiers, Leaders and Families from the Best Army in the World!
Fort Benning, Home of the MCoE
Unclassified17
Base Case vs Avatar in VBS2
Base CaseExiting VBS2 algorithms
Avatar CaseReal Individual attributes
Fort Benning, Home of the Soldiers, Leaders and Families from the Best Army in the World!
Fort Benning, Home of the MCoE
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Future Gaming Employment
Other COEs
BOLC
Fort Sill Fort Rucker
CCC
NCOA
Fort Benning
Fort Benning, Home of the Soldiers, Leaders and Families from the Best Army in the World!
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Current Gaming Employment
BOLC
CCC
NCOA CLC and ARC – use scenario driven VBS2 for vignettes
ABOLC • VBS2 video for reinforcement of TLOs• VBS2 used to facilitate blended learning and working on integration with MCCC• DiGuy to integrate patterns of life analysis• ELITE pilot
IBOLC• VBS2 lab for reinforcement of TLOs
Fort Benning, Home of the Soldiers, Leaders and Families from the Best Army in the World!
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Maneuver Proponent TADSS Must Protect
Staff• Constructive Simulation Capability down to
Company/Troop
- ALOTT
Unit/Leader (Co and Below)• Constructive: ALOTT
• Games for Training*
• Virtual: CCTT, RVTT, DSTS
• Live: HITS; I-MILES Controllers & Weapons (14); CACTF
Unit/Leader (Bn/Sqdn & Bde)• Constructive: ALOTT
• Games for Training*
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• Simulations to support EAB and JIIM enablers for Staff and Leader Training• Other CoE Connectivity: JTEN (Joint Training and Experimentation Network)• *Need capability to reduce overhead in Games for Training (Critical).
Individual• EST II Re-compete
• AGTS
• BATS
• Javelin BST
Fort Benning, Home of the Soldiers, Leaders and Families from the Best Army in the World!
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MCoE Immersive Learning Lab
16 Each Work Stations Along Conference Rooms WallsDemonstration Capabilities In Center of
Room
Commercial Network +, NIPR
& SIPR
Mission: Develop and assess use case applications for existing simulation programs and emerging technology to determine which products best support training and leader development for maneuver forces brigade and below.
Key Tasks:• Serve as MCoE primary point of contact for new training technology and teaching/learning methodologies
• Conduct assessments to determine which products best address training and leader development requirements for maneuver forces brigade and below
• Use assessment results to enhance product development and to shape future requirements
• Promote MCoE unit/organization involvement in identifying and applying instructional technology capabilities
• Collaborate with appropriate Joint/Interagency units, organizations, and labs to leverage best practices and synchronize efforts
• Identify, validate, and create mobile applications and scenarios for gaming tools that support MCoE courses and home station training
Overhead Projector
Overhead Projector
Overhead Projector
Immersive Technology Learning AreaClosed Loop (18 x Computers)
Future Technology Workplacew/ Commercial Internet (16 x Computers)
Admin 2xComp
Demonstration Area
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Unclassified
Emergent Leader ImmersiveTraining Environment (ELITE)
• RDECOM/STTC sponsored program with the Institute for Creative Technology at USC• MCoE pilot to develop training “use case” for technology• Initial training audience: A-BOLC and OCS• Initial pilot lesson using counseling curriculum and FM 6-22• Replaces traditional PowerPoint lectures and use of role players with practice in an
Immersive, Mixed Reality environment• Interpersonal communication and counseling is the initial focus• Creating a platform that is applicable to many types of training
– Virtual Human technologies– Clicker-enabled interactive classrooms– Instructor tools
22Unclassified