Simulations Help Train for 'Extreme Risks'.

• Author: Kennedy, Harold
• Position: Increased reliance on computer-based modeling - Statistical Data Included

Military drills by all services rely increasingly on computer-based modeling

Although nothing can take the place of live-fire training, simulation technology will play a big role in preparing U.S. troops for the war against terrorism, according to Brig. Gen. Stephen M. Seay, commanding general of the Army's Simulation, Training and Instrumentation command.

"Soldiers still have to learn to deal with the extreme risks of real-life combat, and live fire is needed for that," Seay said in a recent telephone interview. "But simulation lets them experience something that's very close to the real thing, without any danger. In many cases, they don't even get dirty.

"Then, when they do go into live fire, it won't be entirely unfamiliar to them," Seay said. "Maybe they won't freeze, because if they freeze in a combat situation, it could cost them their lives."

Also, Seay said, "in simulation, when you're finished with a drill, you can go back and do it again in a matter of seconds." In live training, he said, you might have to wait hours or days, while troops are fed, showered and rested, and equipment is serviced and put back into place.

Seay's command, known as STRICOM, develops and manages training devices-many of which employ simulation technology-for the Army. With a staff of more than 500 military and civilian employees and an annual budget of $645 million, STRICOM is based in Orlando, Fla., which is the headquarters for the simulation community of the entire Defense Department, including units of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.

Those facilities are growing. The Navy's principal simulation unit-the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division-is expanding its quarters in the city, as its commanding officer told National Defense in an interview. (related story, p. 54) Also, the Marines this year completed the consolidation of their training-system acquisition functions in Orlando. (related story, p. 52)

The services were drawn to Orlando because of the presence of Disney World, Universal Studios, the University of Central Florida, the National Center for Simulation and 160 or so companies that specialize in modeling and simulation.

The entertainment industry and the military services, for decades, have shared an interest in simulation. During World War II, the Army Air Corps used flight simulators to train hundreds of thousands of aircrews. Since then, private industry has used simulation technology to design increasingly sophisticated theme-park rides, video games and computer software.

The services now are...