FOCUS
Training and Education Must
Leverage Technology and Innovation
Maj. Gen. Larry D. Wyche
By
“
Developing training products that use
interactive games,
e-books, and robust
simulations is essential to relating to
this new generation
of Soldiers.
”
2
Army Sustainment
A
s we “build-down” our armed
forces, and transform from
an Army at war to an Army
of preparation, military trainers and
educators face a sweeping paradigm
shift. The traditional learning environment is transitioning from that
of solely instructor-delivered content to content available at the push
of a button.
Our Army has benefited greatly
from the increased use of technology throughout the force. In the same
way, our training and education systems must leverage the advantages
these new technologies and innovations provide. This will enable faster
and more detailed training and allow instruction to occur anywhere,
not just inside the classroom. Technology will allow us to update our
training while maintaining the consistently high standards our force
deserves.
Today’s Soldier is fluent in multiple forms of technology from
an early age. Well-versed in social
media, video games, and devices
ranging from computers to smartphones, Soldiers have integrated
these resources into their lives for
everyday tasks. This fluency gives us
both an opportunity and a requirement to modify training. We must
employ these same technologies to
approach this new generation, enhance training, and more efficiently
use resources. Developing training
products that use interactive games,
e-books, and robust simulations is
essential to relating to this new generation of Soldiers.
Virtual Training
Interactive training using gaming
consoles allows instructors and facilitators to replicate elaborate collective exercises within a classroom
environment. Two examples of in-
teractive training used by the Ordnance School are “Cave Ops” and
“Ammunition Operations.” Cave
Ops is an e-learning product used
to teach explosive ordnance disposal
(EOD) Soldiers about flyrock and
cave demolition. Users can practice
both doctrinal and innovative courses of action within multiple scenarios using videos and interactive gaming.
Ammunition Operations is a
compilation of short scenarios
that simulate real-world missions.
Soldiers learn the importance of
following ammunition regulations
using lessons that cannot be replicated in live training.
Virtual simulations serve as extremely useful training aids, providing high levels of training in a short
period of time. Also, simulations
are extremely flexible and can be
tailored to the learner’s knowledge
level. Virtual simulations allow for
multiple repetitions, which aid in
building competence, and as the
Soldier gains proficiency, the training level can be elevated in complexity.
Apps
Mobile applications, or “apps,”
provide several advantages for both
units and individual users. Accessibility is greatly enhanced because
materials are available on individual Soldier’s phones and other smart
devices. Instead of relying on fixed
computer stations, training materials can be accessed anywhere. Also,
units can customize and update
content.
A wide range of mobile apps are
already available to the sustainment
community. Mobile apps can be
found by searching for the Sustainment Center of Excellence (SCoE)
app developer, “SCoE Mobile” on