Fundamental Issues in Defense Training and Simulation

Defence forces have always invested a great deal of their resources in training. In recent times, changes in the complexity and intensity of operations have reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that warfighters are adequately prepared for the environments in which they are required to work. The emergence of new operational drivers such as asymmetric threats, urban operations, joint and coalition operations and the widespread use of military communications and information technology networks has highlighted the importance of providing warfighters with the competencies required to act in a coordinated, adaptable fashion, and to make effective decisions in environments characterised by large amounts of sometimes ambiguous information. While investment in new technologies can make available new opportunities for action, it is only through effective training that personnel can be made ready to apply their tools in the most decisive and discriminating fashion, and by doing so transform military technology into defence capability.There are many factors which can have an impact on the efficacy of training, and there are therefore many issues to consider when designing and implementing training strategies. These issues are often complex and nuanced, and in order to grasp them fully a significant investment of time and energy is required. However, the requirement to respond quickly to ever-changing technology, a high operational tempo and minimal staffing may preclude many in today's defence forces from seeking out all such resources on their own.This edited collection provides brief, easy-to-understand summaries of the key issues in defence training and simulation, as well as guidance for further reading. It consists of a collection of short essays and frequently asked questions, each of which addresses a fundamental issue in defence training and simulation, and features an up-to-date reference list to enable the reader to undertake further investigation of the issues that are addressed. In essence, this book provides the optimum starting point, or first resource, for readers to come to terms with the important issues associated with defence training and simulation. The contributions are written by leading scholars from military research institutions in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as selected researchers from academic and private sector research institutions.