Thomas, Mark A, MD

The Benefits of Simulator Integration to AMC Thomas, Mark A, MD

Publisher Marketing: The current military budget restrictions create a need to explore alternative ways of training aircrew members. The purpose of this paper is to examine the benefits of simulator integration in Air Mobility Command (AMC) as an alternative training method. The initial discussion is the mandate by the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology to convert all DoD simulators to High Level Architecture (HLA). Converting simulators to HLA enables them to interact seamlessly, providing crews the benefit of Distributive Mission Training (DMT). After presenting the current AMC flying hour and simulator program, an explanation and analysis is provided. Next, a notional flying time savings is proposed followed by the obstacles and advantages to substituting simulator time for actual flying time. Finally, the research concludes that not funding HLA/DMT in the FY00 POM was a mistake. There are a few technological obstacles that need to be solved before DMT will be fully functional. However, was consideration given to budget lead times of 5 to 7 years? This must be weighed against Moore's Law which states that micro technology will double every 18 months at the same price. When the obstacles are solved, DMT promises to provide better, more efficient training at a significant cost reduction. Because DMT can provide better prepared crews for combat, the progress of DMT must be followed closely to determine if and when it becomes a viable training method. Contributor Bio:  Thomas, Mark A Mark Thomas is Professor and Chair of the Communication Arts Department at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, where he has been teaching for 25 years. Mark has developed courses in design research methods, illustration, and design systems as well as a thesis program for communication arts. He is a graphic designer, illustrator, and published author who has designed numerous exhibitions, catalogues, and posters for graphic designers, fine artists, and illustrators. An award winning designer for educational board game design, he holds a U. S. Patent for an educational color demonstration device and method for teaching color theory. He also serves as President of the Board for AIGA Cincinnati.