Embedded Training for Objective Force Warrior

This Phase II proposal outlines a plan to develop an instructional package that supports embedded training using mixed reality technologies to train proficient operation and tactical use of Objective Force Warrior (OFW) soldier equipment. Thisinstructional package will include the following components: innovative training and assessment methods and tools to support embedded training; authoring tools and guidance for trainers to use in developing their own scenarios; and mentoring support forinstructors. The instructional components will be evaluated at an existing MOUT site or similar training area. The module developed for the evaluation will consist of a range of critical OFW system skills with an emphasis on effective utilization ofunmanned systems and managing data from multiple sensors. Virtual environments utilizing commercially-available simulation engines will be used to prototype and conduct initial tests of the training modules and user interface before evaluation at the MOUTsite.The proposing organization, Information in Place, Inc., is uniquely qualified to perform this project because of its strengths in instructional design, mixed reality software development, human factors engineering, and Army subject matter expertise.Theresulting instructional package will enable the development of powerful new embedded training methodologies for use with OFW and related programs within the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Family of Systems. This will help ensure the U.S. Army maintainstraining superiority as it acquires and fields its next generation combat systems. These instructional methodologies should empower individual soldiers and unit trainers to have more control over their training while maintaining the highest possiblestandards. Better-trained personnel and reduced overall training costs will result from employing these instructional methodologies. Moreover, this instructional package will contribute to enhanced situational understanding as soldiers interact with theirenvironments.We anticipate dual use applications in other defense markets as well as commercial sectors, including: Other DoD service components; Emergency, public safety, and security services; Marine/ recreational boating; Mobile medical imaging; Field equipmentmaintenance; Field training/on-site/just-in-time/just-in-place training situations; Modeling and simulation; Computer-assisted design and engineering (CAD/CAE); and Computer gaming.