Publication:Plan Blue 2006/Fundamental Inputs to Capability - Collective Training
| 104 | a. | The Future Navy must exploit simulation in training to enhance its capabilities, save resources and reduce risk. |
| b. | Future collective training[1] must incorporate increased automation, changes in technology and alternative crewing strategies. | |
| c. | Future collective training must be flexible enough to deal with a geographically dispersed task group required to be worked up and assessed individually and collectively, potentially with shortened warning times. | |
| d. | Future collective training must factor in the generation of improved procedures for the application of technology across the joint force. | |
| e. | Future collective training strategies must contribute to reducing the costs of operations, with preparedness focussed to ensure the elimination of waste while maintaining an appropriate level of readiness. |
Guidance
105. Simulation. Ongoing improvements in communications capabilities and simulation architectures generate the opportunity to employ distributed simulation techniques to support compressing TG and JTF work-up cycles. These systems contribute to significant savings vice real platforms. Equally the ability to expose personnel to more concentrated and focussed training saves time. This will reduce the time needed to aggregate a JTF and lead to a more capable force. For example it is now technically possible to link a ship's operations room to a helicopter and maritime patrol aircraft simulator for the conduct of an antisubmarine warfare exercise. This then generates additional capacity for time at sea to be committed to the validation of readiness levels, the conduct of operations and those training evolutions that are not suited to the simulated environment. While the costs of simulation are normally borne early, the life cycle savings for capability are very significant and any measure of expenditure on simulation should be offset against this. Allowing mission rehearsal and the practicing of TTP's will directly increase the effectiveness of deployed forces and ensure they are always as prepared as possible.
106. Distributed simulation can also support more efficient training for joint operations by linking elements of the intended JTF and then running simulations using real world combat systems. Not only would simulation permit the exercise of tactical procedures and command and control, it would also assist in the early development and improvement of TF operating procedures. Distributed simulation has the potential to improve the application of technology across the joint force. It could also support the early identification of interoperability issues between elements of a JTF that may be running different software in their command and combat systems; this will be a critical factor in a networked force.
107. Whole Ship Readiness. Ensuring that a ship's company is at an appropriate level of individual and collective readiness will increase in complexity. Future whole-ship training and readiness assessment systems must account for future crewing initiatives that might include multi-crewing or flexi-crewing. These systems will have to draw crew members who may not be at sea, into the ship work-up and assessment continuum. They will also have to address the work-up of crews that are due to go to sea. A potential strategy may be shore-based training facilities being networked into a ship at sea so shore-based crew members can participate in some ship evolutions. Rigorous adherence to standard operating procedures will be required so that crew members can easily move between the shore and ship with minimal settling in times. Ensuring the whole ship's company are included will also be key to ship's morale and departmental team performances. Training and readiness systems will also have to account for an increased number of human-machine interfaces and the ability of a ship's company to manage automated systems and integrate automated systems outcomes into command-team decision making.
108. Combined Operations. Coalition operations generate complex collective training and interoperability issues. Initiatives such as the Joint Combined Training Centre (JCTC) are an example and must become a mandated capability to utilise simulation in advance of and support to major coalition initiatives. A layered approach is required with maximum interoperability and joint training being focused on the US and traditional allies. Interoperability and training regimes then need to be stepped down as the likelihood of conducting operations with those forces decreases. The readiness of a coalition TG is likely to rely upon well-developed procedures and individually prepared units. Distributed simulation will play a role with some allies, notably the US. Broadening combined exercises to ensure familiarity with likely coalition partners and subscribing to coalition procedural documents will reduce collective training and interoperability risks.
