Defence Magazine

Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF), Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, has recently taken on the role of Capability Manager for Joint Training and Simulation. This function will provide joint direction and leadership for emerging Single Service simulation capabilities, which in turn will secure benefits from such a coordinated approach.

A driving rationale for this decision was the 'here and now' training responsibilities of VCDF that shape the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the role that simulation plays in underpinning key aspects of joint training systems - such as those in use and growing at the ADF Warfare Centre (ADFWC).

These considerations pointed to the need for VCDF, in his capacity as Chief of Joint Operations, to become Capability Manager of our emerging Joint Simulation capabilities. This need was recognised and agreed earlier this year by the Defence Simulation Forum (DSF). DSF membership is at the 1-star level and members are drawn from across all the Defence Groups.

Additional drivers for the decision included the Joint Combined Training Centre project and the need to organise both ADFWC and Defence Materiel Organisation support, in collaboration with Capability Development Group (CDG). Similarly, the proposed formal role of CDG's Australian Defence Simulation Office Branch as a capability developer for Joint Simulation, and the resourcing difficulties that arise in the absence of a formally agreed requirement for such a role from Joint Operations Command, led to VCDF becoming the Capability Manager for Joint Simulation.

Each of the Single Services has simulation policies and plans that operate within the framework of the overall Defence Simulation Plan (promulgated under DEFGRAM 523/2002). The Chief of Capability Development Group takes the lead on Defence Simulation governance matters, hence the Australian Defence Simulation Office (ADSO) remains within Capability Development Group. VCDF, however, will have 'ownership' of the requirements for a Joint Simulation Capability and for ensuring these requirements are aligned with the needs of the joint user community. This will include championing work on approaches that best meet those requirements as well as resourcing the implementation of the best way ahead.

VCDF's decision to become Capability Manager of simulation will accelerate Defence's ability to access the benefits simulation provides in the three key dimensions - enhancing Defence capabilities, saving resources and reducing risks.

Simulation in the ADF

The applications for simulation in Defence can be broadly divided into two categories: (1) training and education, and (2) analysis and experimentation for decision support. In both roles, simulations may be used either as discrete systems, as augmentations to real-world systems, or to represent combinations of real-world systems in a complex battlespace.

In support to decision making, simulation can assist in problem definition as ideas of real-world systems or processes are developed. Once developed, a simulation allows decision-makers to explore problems and to gain an understanding of the effects of different parameters. This in turn enables identification of those parameters that have the most significant impact on outcomes.

Simulation allows decision-makers to explore the likely outcomes of a number of different courses of action, or actions, and to understand how fragile or robust the end result is likely to be under changing circumstances. For CDG, the decision support role of simulation has significant application in analysis and in establishing the composition of, and balance between, the various components of major capabilities. Simulation can help to assess the effectiveness of current and future components of military capability as well as through life support needs.

The benefits of simulation in the training/mission rehearsal environment include increasing the effectiveness of training through ready access by trainees to a wide range of scenarios and experiences in a safe and controlled environment. Simulation also reduces the need to use operational systems or equipment and is typically accessible 24/7 without constraint from weather, operational requirements and other similar factors.

The cost of simulation is frequently less than the 'real-life' methods for achieving the same result. By reducing training load on real systems, key items of equipment can be released for operational duties or preserved through reduced rate of use.

Defence

Capability Development Group

Simulation - a joint capability

Simulation in the ADF