Transforming Operational Training in the Combat Air Forces

1-4338-1621-0

Abstract

In 1997, the United States Air Force (USAF) Air Combat Command (ACC) embarked on a revolutionary path for operational readiness training of its combat crews. Initially designated as Distributed Mission Training (DMT), the program is currently called Combat Air Forces (CAF) Distributed Mission Operations (DMO). The CAF DMO program synthesizes a mission training and rehearsal environment by linking fighter, bomber, and command and control simulators into a common battlespace. In 2002, the Department of Defense (DoD) initiated a training transformation initiative; DMO became the USAF’s major component. This article discusses the training concept and technical integration challenges encountered, including competency-based training, security, technical standards, and technology development.

• flight training
• simulators
• competency
• accreditation

Notes

1 The titles of these levels as “individual,” “team,” and “interteam,” however, are slightly different than those used in the original report. They are used here in order to maintain consistency with concepts presented later this article.

2 Training capacity is the throughput—the number of pilots that can train in the device in a given period of time. Fidelity relates to the ability of the simulator to replicate the aircraft and the battlespace environment.

3 The F-15C squadrons at both bases were subsequently closed because of force reductions.

4 One hour represents one MTC on the network training, with at least one other site. An event is two or more sites training in one continuous training session. Therefore, three sites linked together for 2 hr of training would be measured as six network hours and one event. The amount of warfighter training accomplished would be based on number of participants—each site having multiple participants—and the training requirements they fulfilled.

5 CAF DMO standards and other information can be accessed at https://secure.dmodmt.com/index.cfm