Web-Based Training Simulations
Brooke Whiteford
Traditionally, soldiers learning how to operate complex equipment begin their training by studying huge manuals filled with diagrams and schematics. Then they go into the field for hands-on training in real vehicles. The U.S. Army, however, had visions of a better training program. Army leaders wanted the types of interactive, 3-D simulation training pioneered by RTI (and now being adopted by industry) to be available over the Internet--something that had never been done for a large-scale training problem.
In 2002, RTI researchers turned that vision into reality with an innovative web-deployed training simulation. The simulation provides soldiers with instruction on how to operate digital communications equipment in Army vehicles, such as cell and landline phones, video teleconferencing, and interactive satellite television. "We wanted to make the technical manuals come alive," said computer graphics specialist Kevin Merino. Soldiers can download the simulation, which demonstrates how the equipment works, in about 10 minutes. Benefits include self-paced instruction, customized preferences, the ability to train in the field, reduced costs of training facilities and equipment, and the ability to train more students in less time.
"Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Army has been facing a new set of missions related to peacekeeping and humanitarian aid. Its role is often focused on logistical support and providing communications in areas where the communication infrastructure, such as electrical power, water, and roads, is absent," explained project manager Brooke Whiteford. "The training is preparing the soldiers to help those in need."
rti.org