Starcom Progressing Towards Establishment of Enhanced Training Infrastructure
The U.S. Space Force is set to improve its training capabilities over the next few years, with a focus on developing a digital training environment for its personnel.
At the forefront of this initiative is the Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM), which is currently developing a foundational distributed training system called SWARM. Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Sejba, the outgoing commander of STARCOM, has stated that SWARM is "on a good path" and is expected to be operational by the end of this year [1].
Once SWARM is up and running, plans are in place to transition the system into a cloud-based environment, making it accessible from anywhere within a year or two [1]. This move will significantly enhance training access and readiness for Space Force personnel stationed at various locations.
However, the development of a high-end training environment similar to the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) used by the Air Force and Navy for advanced fighters is several years off [1]. The JSE uses digital models and a physics-based environment to generate realistic threats and responses, providing a highly immersive and effective training experience [2].
To achieve this goal, STARCOM is planning to collaborate with academia, industry, and game makers like EA Sports [1]. They aim to leverage the latest advances in gaming and training technology to create an environment that prepares Space Force personnel for the challenges they may face in the real world.
STARCOM's commander, Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Sejba, sees potential in training Guardians with these cutting-edge tools [1]. The more advanced high-end training environment is a significant investment, but STARCOM's commander and the Chief of Space Operations, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, have prioritized this initiative [1].
In addition to SWARM, ongoing investments and contracts are supporting incremental progress toward this goal. For example, a recent $74 million contract was awarded to HII for a five-year project to develop training simulations and operationally relevant models for the Space Force and Air Force, supporting training from operational locations [3].
As STARCOM relocates to its permanent home at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, it will be well-positioned to tap into the local expertise and resources available in the simulation industry hub of Orlando [4]. The base was selected two years ago due to its training expertise, and the move will further strengthen STARCOM's ability to deliver effective training solutions for the Space Force.
The urgency for a distributed training capability is driven by the Space Force's new force generation model, which breaks down operational periods for training [5]. With SWARM and future developments, the Space Force aims to ensure its personnel are well-prepared for the challenges of space operations.
References:
- Space Force to develop high-end training environment like Joint Simulation Environment
- Joint Simulation Environment
- HII Awarded $74 Million Contract for Space Training and Readiness Command
- Patrick Space Force Base
- Space Force Urgent Need for a Distributed Training Capability
- The Space Force's relocation to Patrick Space Force Base, a hub for simulation industry expertise in Orlando, will facilitate the development of a high-end training environment similar to the Air Force's Joint Simulation Environment.
- With the Space Training and Readiness Command's (STARCOM) collaboration with academia, industry, and game makers like EA Sports, the Space Force aims to leverage the latest advances in gaming and training technology to prepare its personnel for real-world challenges.
- The Space Force's new force generation model requires a robust distributed training capability, with SWARM being a crucial first step towards this goal.
- The Space Force's long-term plans include transitioning the SWARM system into a cloud-based environment, enhancing training access for personnel stationed at various locations, and eventually developing a high-end training environment like the Joint Simulation Environment used by the Air Force and Navy for advanced fighters.
