Combat Support and Combat Service Support Expansion to the Virtual TrainingProgram SIMNET Battalion Exercise: History and Lessons Learned

摘要

This report describes the addition of combat Support (CS) and combat serviceSupport (CSS) training to the battalion exercises of the Virtual Training Program (VTP) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Training support packages (TSPs) provide battalions with all of the background needed to step into the simulation networking facilities (SIMNET) and begin training. Trial units were generally positive about the training opportunities for the mortar, medical, maintenance, and support platoon leaders. Opportunities to practice battle tracking, communications, and coordination were cited as significant benefits by training participants. The lessons learned include insights concerning: the benefits of mixing CSS functions in a structured, maneuver execution exercise, the need to simultaneously consider training scenario and simulation capabilities when selecting tasks for a training exercise, the evolution of training design and the need to systematically incorporate lessons learned from the ongoing implementation of the VTP program, the importance of partnership with the OIC team for developing new training components for the VTP, and the robustness of the training design to the use of the unit's own order during the exercise. These themes are not new; however, after several years of continuing development efforts, conclusions are changing.