The previous blog, Battle Command: Turning Inside the Adversary’s Decision Cycle explains how digital command and control systems can give commanders a significant advantage — the ability to act more quickly than their adversaries.
This blog explains how the ARNG uses virtualization and distributed learning to distribute Battle Command (BC) training.
The Army Battle Command Training Strategy requires all soldiers to be trained to use BC systems as a core competency. ARNG units deploying with active component units must be proficient on the same BC systems used by active component units. However, ARNG units are low on fielding priority and typically are not fielded BC systems until just prior to deployment.
So how does the ARNG provide BC systems training to more than 360,000 Soldiers dispersed across 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia? And how is that training accomplished with only a handful of systems for trainers to use?
The ARNG Battle Command Training Center (BCTC) at Camp Dodge, IA developed the Battle Command Training and Distributed Server (BCT&DS). This capability uses virtualization technology to host BC systems in a virtual infrastructure. Virtualization allows many small physical servers or workstations (BC systems) to be replaced by one large physical server. Each BC system that previously required its own server or workstation becomes converted to a server running inside a virtual machine. The BCT&DS can “host” many such “guest” virtual BC systems and securely publish these to the ARNG Distributed Learning classroom network. The BCT&DS also allows Soldiers to operate virtual BC systems and perform any task the BC systems are capable of from any computer with internet access.
In addition to access to BC systems through the BCT&DS, Soldiers can also receive training ranging from complete individual operator training to shorter or more specialized sustainment training. The BCT&DS also supports two other ARNG BCTCs located at Ft. Leavenworth, KS and Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA which are equipped with instructor broadcast booths. These booths enable trainers to provide instruction to soldiers located in one or more Distributed Leaning Classrooms utilizing a VTC connection and the BCT&DS. These broadcast booths enable instructors to see each student desk top, adjust pace of class, talk a student through problem, take control of their systems, and teach in multiple classrooms. Another advantage is the ability to conduct short blocks of training without the time consuming and resource demanding task of setting up BC systems The BCT&DS can be used to host other systems besides BC systems such as finance or logistics systems. Battle Command systems and related courses currently being trained using the BCT&DS include:
• Maneuver Control System
• Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below
• Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System
• Battle Command Sustainment and Support System
• Effect Management Tool
• Battle Command Staff Trainer
• Battle Command Administrator Course
• JANUS
• Deployable Disbursing System
The ARNG has a proud history of adaptation and innovation since it evolved from the Massachusetts Bay Colony militia in 1636. The use of Virtualization in combination with Distributed Learning is an example of how the ARNG continues to adapt and innovate.
Links
http://www.dtdc.org/bctc.asp Battle Command Training Center – Dodge
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X86_virtualization Wikipedia article on virtualization
https://gkoportal.ngb.army.mil/sites/G3_ART/DL/default.aspx ARNG Distributed Learning
Next up – Can Battle Command and Military Decision Making Process be applied to commercial business?