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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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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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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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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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

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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.

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Base Case vs Avatar in VBS2

Base CaseExiting VBS2 algorithms

Avatar CaseReal Individual attributes

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Future Gaming Employment

Other COEs

BOLC

Fort Sill Fort Rucker

CCC

NCOA

Fort Benning

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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

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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

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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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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

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