An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier

An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier


ByAmanda Recker

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

November 18, 2011

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Figures..............................................................................................3Table of Tables................................................................................................4Audience Scenario..........................................................................................6Introduction.....................................................................................................7Collected Data...............................................................................................10

Training Methods.......................................................................................10Simulation Systems....................................................................................11

Conclusion and Recommendations...............................................................15Appendices....................................................................................................17

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TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1: A Comparison of the Price of Training Methods pg. 13

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TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: A Comparison of the Pros and Cons of Conventional Training Methods verses Simulation Trainers pg.14

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Abstract

This report analyses the benefits of different military training methods, specifically comparing simulation training verses conventional methods. As the world becomes more technologically sophisticated, the soldier is asked to compete with unpredictable circumstances. Often their lives hang in the balance. Therefore an answer is needed in regards to which training method will better prepare the modern soldier for current and futuristic warfare. The research outlined highlights the major difference in experience and habitual actions when a soldier is trained using a simulation system. The subject matter experts interviewed also push the aspect of shortened situational reaction time as a characteristic belonging only to simulation training. In the end the report compares the downfalls (large upfront cost) and benefits (better reaction time, awareness, and action confidence) of simulation systems. It is suggested that the Department of Defense employ an exaggerated approach to the use of simulation systems as a training means.

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AUDIENCE SCENARIO

The primary audience for this report is the United States Department of Defense. This report will provide recommendation accumulated based on an analysis of simulation training systems and their pros and cons verses the conventional methods of training. Secondary audiences include universities and corporations looking for training instrument analysis for ROTC and medical programs.

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INTRODUCTION

Background and Purpose

The training of United States soldiers relies heavily on repetition and event

replication. These characteristics have for long brought about an opportunity for safety

concerns and fiscal challenges. For these reasons, many military branches and

overseers are turning to training simulation systems. However, leaders are becoming

concerned that it is frugality that is driving this change and not teaching ability.

Therefore the purpose of this report is to determine whether military simulation systems,

in reference to training purposes, effectively and efficiently teach soldiers the necessary

field skills as well as or better than conventional methods.

Sources of Data

The primary sources of data for this report are from the International Journal of

Artificial Intelligence in Education, the National Conference of Training Simulation, and

scholarly articles from highly accredited individuals. Also an interview was conducted

with one of the head simulation engineers of Raydon Corporation. Be aware that the

proceeding notes from the interview can be found in the appendix.

Working Definitions

Conventional Training Methods:

Conventional training methods are discrete event replications, in which

one object receives direct attention through one motion. (Zeigler, 2000)

Interoperability:

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Interoperability primarily includes the ability for a system to communicate

with another system of separate origin to allow for intersystem communications.

(Erwin, 2002)

Mission Training:

Mission training consists of specific and detailed informational and tactical

training for particular events. (Recker, 2011)

Simulator:

A simulator is a single machine with the ability to replicate multiple events

at one time for training purposes. (Zeigler, 2000)

Simulation System:

A simulation system can best be described as multiple programs and

machines with the ability to replicate multiple events at one time that work

together to allow for interoperability. (Zeigler, 2000)

Supplement to Analysis

The interview with Raydon Corporation’s Vice President can be found on page

16.

Scope of Analysis

This report begins by addressing conventional methods and the reasons behind

the need for a modernized training doctrine. Next it compares simulation systems to the

same standards as conventional methods, specifically emphasizing safety, soldier

performance, and monetary information. Three forms of research are analyzed including

the Norwich University Study, Embry Riddle Survey, and an Interview with a Raydon

Corporation Vice President and lead engineer, Gregory S. Recker. Finally this report

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compares the pros and cons to simulation training. Conclusions and recommendations

that reflect the primary research are also presented.

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COLLECTED DATA

TRAINING METHODS

According to the National Defense Magazine it has become a necessity in recent

years to start defining the line between conventional and modern training methods as

they cited that “new training methodologies and equipment are needed to match the

new (modernized) doctrine”(Erwin, 2002). Due to increasing technological growth, the

military has adapted and adopted training techniques. Today, conventional training

methods can most accurately be described as a discrete event replication, in which one

object receives direct attention through one motion. For example a stand alone target

would receive direct attention through the motion of firing an M-16 toward it. “In this

respect, conventional training methods are based around two aspects; replication and

repetition.” (Recker, 2011)

In recent years, the military has defined two types of conventional methods. The

first, live round repetition is extremely expensive as it involves firing actual (live)

ammunition at a still target. As always there are safety concerns when dealing with live

ammunition. The statement made in the American Journal of Preventative medicine

states that “injury rates during military training are high, ranging from 6 to 12 per 100

(soldiers) per month for warfare training”, suggesting that the danger of such activities

increasingly prominent during training efforts (Kaufman, 2000). In addition to this, the

thirty degree fan in which a round can be fired safely is not conducive to replicating an

actual scenario.

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The second type of discrete event replication is known as dummy round

repetition. Dummy rounds are often the use of multiple integrated laser engagement

systems (aka MILES). This method, while being substantially safer than the previous,

has limitations as well. The lasers fire in a straight line, where as bullets arch. This

challenge does not allow for realistic replication (Kimble, 1982).

Due to these two obstacles it has become a primary concern that training

methods be adapted. Safety and fiscal necessity are spurring the transition to a military

trained mostly on simulation systems. But does the learn ability, cost effectiveness, and

safety solutions justify simulation training?

SIMULATION SYSTEMS

Simulation systems are programs/machines with the ability to replicate multiple

events at one time. In developing the standard for a simulation system, the Department

of Defense specified that they require a system that is “able to produce monotonous

conditions” (Zeigler, 2000). This means that the special effects must be such that they

are able to run a training program based at five in the morning multiple times a day. Or

perhaps they would like to train soldiers how to fire a weapon in snowy conditions.

Therefore simulation system must be able to create a mock-up of this situation.

Monetary funds are often an issue when working with government budgets. To

combat this problem, private contracting companies such as Raydon Corporation

conducted research to determine how much of a soldier’s training should be simulated

verses completed by means of conventional methods. The findings directly correlate to

the results of a recent survey conducted for this report.

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The study addressed the population of Norwich University and included the

teaching as well as the testing half of the students on simulation systems and the other

half by conventional means (Recker, 2011). In addition a recently conducted survey was

completed at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where fifty students who had first

been trained by conventional methods and then used simulation systems were asked a

series of questions pertaining to the quality of there learning experience.

The results of the survey of Embry-Riddle students was that ninety four percent

of participants believed that simulation training was most effective after undergoing

basic training from their particular military branch. Also it was found that 82 percent of

survey participants wanted more in-depth training to be primarily completed using

simulation systems and conventional training methods applied to basic tasks.

In both studies it was found that the most effective training method is to undergo

conventional methods for the first twenty percent of your training and then switch to

primarily simulation systems. This twenty/eighty method produced the highest test

scores and the fastest reaction times in combat situations. These findings back up the

idea that simulation systems are a necessary feature for today’s modern military.

Monetary funds for conventional methods verses simulation training can best be

described in this comparison: The amount of dollars spent sending one company of

men to the firing range for training can pay for one simulation system (Recker, 2011).

Figure 1 illustrates this comparison. An upfront cost will be seen for the use of

simulation systems but the long-term savings are irresistible. However, due to the

findings of the research, expensive simulation systems are not needed for certain tasks

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such as learning to take apart and put your weapon back together as there is no cost or

safety concerns in going about this the conventional way.

Figure 1: A Comparison of the Price of Training Methods

244

246

248

250

252

254

Military Range Trip Simulator

Training Method

Pric

e (in

thou

sand

s of

US

dolla

rs)

Series1

(Source: Recker, 2011)

Therefore simulation systems should only be employed for tasks that require

extreme in depth knowledge and carry some degree of danger. An example of an

appropriate simulation system is one that teaches soldiers how to drive a Humvee as

this task, if done incorrectly will result in the flipping of the vehicle and potential

casualties.

The effectiveness can be seen in the ability of a simulation system to allow

soldiers to die again and again throughout the training process with no actual harm

done to them. “Learning without the presents of fear in your decisions results in the

most effective form of information retention (memory) of the event or action” (Recker,

2011). By means of conventional methods, dangerous tasks must be taught slowly in

order to provide the greatest ability of retention. However research conducted for this

paper disproves this theory when simulation systems are the medium. It was found that

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a soldier in a simulation will pick up the knowledge needed to operate a Humvee nearly

twice as fast by means of trail and error than a soldier who is afraid of making an error

in a conventional replication setting. (Jennings, 2010) In fact these particular training

simulators were so successful that “military vehicle rollovers and associated fatalities in

combat each dropped by more than 60% in the two years following the fielding of the

trainer” (Jennings, 2010). Table 1 illustrates the pros and cons of conventional methods

verses simulation training.

Table 1: A Comparison of the Pros and Cons of Conventional Training Methods

verses Simulation Trainers

(Source: Zeigler, 2000.) This table shows the pros and cons of simulation trainers

verses conventional methods. It is easy to see that the pros outweigh the cons.

Simulation systems may be the solution to the challenges created by

conventional methods but they pose limitations as well. Interoperability is the ability for a

system to communicate with a system of separate origin. This is a problem that many

training facilities are experiencing. However a solution is near. Many facilities have

found relief by investing in upgrades (software and hardware) in order to result in the

replication of specific tasks (Erwin, 2002). For example, the military wishes to use

Pros Cons

Safety Interoperability

Monetary Equivalence Up-Front Costs

Enhanced Soldier

Performance

Upgrade Availability

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software of Lockheed Martin origin to upload the dimensions of a specific territory for

the simulation systems of Raydon Corporation origin to replicate. The two technologies

do not communicate will because of the difference in coding and calculations. The

solution is to upgrade the hardware of the simulation system so that it is able to handle

the amount of information and translate the calculations in order to produce the desired

result. Another aiding factor in the relief effort of system communication has arrived as

the Synthetic Environment Data Representation and Interchange Specification was

developed so that different systems might build their environment representations for a

common description and might communicate changes in a common language” (Karr,

1997).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusion

Simulation systems are the answer to many of the problems that the

conventional training methods pose for soldiers. Research has determined that the ideal

training cocktail is made up of twenty percent discrete event replication and eighty

percent simulation based. Soldiers who are trained using this doctrine “experience

performance improvements” in actual combat scenarios (due to muscle memory:

replication) and significantly quicker learning times (Cane, 2010). “Simulation systems

are a wave of the future.” There monetary costs are combated by only one trip to the

range by a single company of soldiers. The benefits provided by these machines much

outweigh the costs.

Recommendations

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This report has yielded three recommendations. The Department of Defense is

advised to take the information provided into account when determining the budget for

training methods, specifically simulation systems, for the 2012 fiscal year.

First off it is recommended that the Department of Defense instate a doctrine of

training focused mainly on the twenty/eighty scale. This is the research supported

measurement of the best training combination of conventional and simulation training

methods. This will allow for the most in-depth learning experience and the most

retention of knowledge.

The second recommendation is that all specific mission training be done through

simulation systems as they are most able to allow for condition replication and repetition

in specific areas of qualification. These tasks are both information and tactically heavy.

Simulation systems will allow soldiers the chance to learn quickly and effectively. It is

shown that the simulation systems are the best machines for learning these kinds of

tasks as they give soldiers the ability to retain the most knowledge and react quicker

than conventional methods would provide.

The final recommendation is that the Department of Defense continues research

into simulation training systems as they are the most effective and efficient means to

training a soldier for field combat situations. Performance is dramatically enhanced due

to built up muscle memory.

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APPENDICES

Interview with Raydon Corporation’s Vice President Gregory Recker

1. What do you believe to be the biggest advantage that a soldier

receives from simulation training?

The biggest advantage is that the safety of these trainers is

much greater than the safety of live round training. Also, the best way

to learn is in an environment that does not include the fear of failing.

2. What is the main reason you feel simulation training is proven to

result in less casualties in combat situations?

Increased reaction time is just a benefit of muscle memory

that is built up again and again in simulation systems as the

military has the ability to train a soldier multiple times on a

simulator for the same cost as sending the soldier to the range

once.

3. What are the cons to simulation training?

Interoperability is a con of simulation training as not all

simulation systems have the ability to talk to each other fluently

just yet. However, this problem can be easily resolved by

upgrades to software.

4. In your opinion is the need for a change in training doctrine

needed/expected for the fiscal year of 2012?

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Yes. Simulation systems are far less expensive than

conventional methods and are far more valuable as they can

perform a number of training operations that conventional

methods can not replicate.

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REFERENCES

Cane, S., McCarthy, R., & Halawi, L. (2010). Ready for battle? A

phenomenological study of military simulation systems. The Journal of

Computer Information Systems, 50(3), 33-33-40. Retrieved from

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Erwin, S. I. (2002, November). Simulator market growth tied to upgrades,

interoperability National Defense NDIA Business and Technology

Magazine, Retrieved from

http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2002/November/Pag

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Jennings, J. (2010). Humvee rollover trainer. Professional Safety, 55(7), 24-

24-30. Retrieved fromhttp://ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/login?

url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/734714321?

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Kaufman. K. R., Brodine. S., & Shaffer. R, (2000). Military Training-Related

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http://ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/196709831?accountid=27203








Preventative Medicine, 18(3), 54-63. Retrieved from:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379700001148

Kimble, J. W. (1982). Small arms laser training device; patent number

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http://patents.justia.com/1982/04352665.html

Recker, Greg. (2011, October 15). Raydon Corporation Head Engineer,

Sales and Marketing Manager.

Zeigler, B. P., Praehofer, H., & Kim, T. G. (2000). Theory of modeling and

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http://books.google.com/books?id=REzmYOQmHuQC&dq=Simulation

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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier 21

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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier