Book Review

Review

Christopher Best, George Galanis, James Kerry and Robert Sottilare (Editors), Fundamental Issues in Defense Training and Simulation, Ashgate, 2013.

Reviewed by: Bronwyn Jones, University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australia

Simulation application areas, from a system life-cycle perspective, range from research and development, through to capability development, acquisition, operational/ high-consequence planning, decision support and training. Defence organisations have a long-term, significant relationship with simulation, as developer and user. Training is a major application of simulation technology for defence as evidenced by the pervasiveness of simulation applications past, present and planned. Traditional benefits of simulation include enhancing capability, reducing risk and saving resources [1]; from a training perspective we could refine this to note that simulation helps us provide training environments that are complex, provide better trainee engagement, and enable access to safe practice that may not otherwise be available.

Fundamental Issues in Defense Training and Simulation is a timely, focused and wide-ranging contribution to the understanding the complex relationship between training and simulation in a defence context. More broadly, the issues presented offer insight that is clearly applicable across non-defence domains also. A great strength of the book is the nature of its 54 contributors, representing military research organizations across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The book’s introduction emphasizes the role that budgetary constraints have had in leading to increased reliance on the application of innovative technologies (such as simulation) to military training; there has been a corresponding focus on optimizing training. This leads to a knowledge gap for staff involved in acquiring simulation, developing military training and employing simulation technologies, and in military training. Best et al therefore aim to provide ‘a knowledge base for the application of application of the science and technology of military training’.

Fundamental Issues in Defense Training and Simulation comprises four logically presented parts that broadly follow what the authors describe as the elements of a high-level training model—Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. The four parts representing this are:

Part 1 – Analysis

Part 2 – Design

Part 3 – Simulation Technologies

Part 4 – Measurement

Part 1 Analysis emphasises the need to establish a competency framework relevant to the intended training in order to optimise training. Formally establishing what is required at the start of the process is fundamental to avoiding costly mistakes, rework and expense in the later stages of training design and technology selection – rework may cost ten to one hundred times less if the problem is identified and corrected during the analysis (or early) phase of development [2]. Importantly, competency is discussed across both individual and force dimensions. The use of graphics to present these concepts and make them accessible is well done here and throughout the entire book. Next, the very topical issue of generational differences and their potential impact on training is presented in a very practical rather than overly theoretical manner, lending credibility to the outcomes presented. Having established what is required, Part 1 then identifies the problematic issue of the point in time at which simulation could/should/might be considered within a capability development and acquisition program. Importantly, Best et al do not attempt to provide a generic answer to this issue; more usefully they identify that there is no single correct answer to this issue, that it must be considered, and that there are several opportune times where this could occur. Best et al then present a short but comprehensive methodology for a TNA for simulation. Part 1 closes with presentation of a novel approach to Proficiency-based Live, Virtual and Constructive Readiness Training and Assessment that is related to the desire to close the gap between current training environments and the desired training environment that more readily replicates dynamic operational or wartime environments.

Part 2 Design highlights that the development of an optimal simulation-based military training system relies upon both the aforementioned analysis and an understanding of the solution space—the available training materials and training environments that might be applicable. Best et al explore training design from individual, team and collective perspectives. Part 2 commences with a discussion of the issues that affect and influence those undertaking training—the key theories of human learning, prior to exploring how a training system might best prepare trainees to be adaptable and cope with unexpected situations or environments full of uncertainty that characterise modern military operations. This part concludes with an excellent discussion on the need to consider the employment of simulation from a broad cost/benefits perspective rather than a simple, narrow cost-of ownership of the virtual training environment and includes guidance on how such an economic analysis might be performed.

Part 3 Simulation Technologies commences with defining technology as tools and methods underpinning the need to be able to employ simulation effectively through understanding the supporting training drivers and concepts. Best et al provide a balanced discussion on current technologies and practice as well as emerging concepts. This encompasses issues related to Live and Virtual environments, Operator Stations, Serious Games, and Virtual Worlds. The example Medical domain application which explores the use of Live, Virtual and Constructive medical simulation in training provides a concise insight into issues such as fidelity, technology application and emerging concepts.

Part 4 Measurement completes the book by highlighting the role of measurement in identifying how well training has been effected and any issues requiring remediation—in effect this closes the loop in the training model. Most importantly this section presents the idea that the most appropriate time to consider measurement is early in the training system development; this leads to consideration of related issues earlier (when they can be more readily addressed) or in greater depth (particularly where the outcome might cause a change of direction in the training system design). This is consistent with general system development theory where the rigour of addressing measurement on a continual basis during system design is recommended practice. The provision of theoretical evaluation models and practical ideas for their application will be of great value to practitioners.

The use of a broad training model development structure to present Fundamental Issues in Defense Training and Simulation provides a logical, comprehensible basis to present the wide-ranging issues, current and emerging that characterize the relationship between simulation and defence training. This book will appeal to a diverse target audience. Best et al note that researchers have written and edited the book and express the hope that it will be useful to practitioners and stakeholders involved in military training. I believe it provides excellent guidance also for students at the post-graduate level (systems engineering, project management) and is also broadly applicable to non-military domains, including transport, medical and mining at least.

One of the best aspects of this book for me is the origin of the authors, from military research organizations across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This lends the book credibility and makes it very relevant to an Australian context. A number of other aspects are worth mention. First, the language used in the articles makes the text accessible to those who may be less experienced in simulation and/or training. This leads onto my only comment for future inclusion—a glossary of simulation and training terms might be a useful addition for the less experienced reader.

Each of the articles presented is accompanied by a well-developed list of references that will enable more-experienced readers to further their knowledge in particular areas of interest. The authors’ practice of providing illustrations, models, frameworks, examples or advice while avoiding generic, vague one-size-fits-all solutions is commended—this extends the book beyond theoretical to practical and accessible for experienced and less-experienced readers alike.

Fundamental Issues in Defense Training and Simulation provides a unique, timely and relevant contribution to the consideration of defence training and simulation. It is a well-conceived, comprehensible and well-structured text that is applicable to the military training domain and broader business-related domains that have an interest in simulation and its relationship to training.

Fundamental Issues in Defense Training and Simulation can be ordered online through Ashgate at http://ashgate.com/ default.aspx?page=637&calcTitle=1&title_id=11872&edition_id=12243

References