an analysis of military simulation systems and their benefits for the modern soldier
DESCRIPTION
This report analyzes the benefits of different military training methods, specifically comparing simulation training verses conventional methods.TRANSCRIPT
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: A Comparison of the Price of Training Methods pg. 13
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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
compares the pros and cons to simulation training. Conclusions and recommendations
that reflect the primary research are also presented.
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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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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om/docview/287943724?accountid=27203
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
es/Simulator_Market4000.aspx
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?
accountid=27203
Karr, C. R., Reece, D., & Franceschini, R. (1997). Synthetic soldiers. IEEE
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uest.com/docview/196709831?accountid=27203
Kaufman. K. R., Brodine. S., & Shaffer. R, (2000). Military Training-Related
Injuries: Surveillance, Research, and Prevention. American Journal of
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An Analysis of Military Simulation Systems and Their Benefits for the Modern Soldier
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
4352665. Retrieved from United States Patent website:
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
simulation, integrating discrete event and continuous complex
dynamic systems. (2 ed.). Academic Pr. Retrieved from
http://books.google.com/books?id=REzmYOQmHuQC&dq=Simulation
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