The New Era of Training: Bridging Real-World and Simulated Environments in Defense

The defense sector is increasingly turning to advanced simulation technologies and simulated environments in defense to better equip military operators for the complexities of modern combat scenarios. The stakes are high—technological advancements in modeling and simulation (M&S) not only enhance operational readiness but also serve as a critical deterrent against adversaries. Recent developments highlighted at ITSEC, the premier event for modeling, simulation, and training, showcase milestones like F-35 testing in fully immersive simulated environments. These strides underscore the growing reliance on simulations to replicate the complexity of modern battlefields.But how close are simulated environments to reality? And why does bridging this gap matter so much for military training and operational success?On Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas explores these questions with Chris “SLAM” Duncan, the Director of Business Development at CAE USA's Next Generation Test & Training Systems. Their conversation delves into the transformative power of simulated environments in defense training, the technological advancements driving this evolution, and the implications for the future of military readiness.The two discuss...Realism in Training: Modern simulation environments, from domes to VR systems, replicate complex scenarios to enable operators to develop "muscle memory" for decision-making in high-stakes situations.Technological Drivers: Advances in GPUs, connectivity, and AI are revolutionizing the fidelity and scalability of simulations, enabling decentralized and collaborative training across global locations.AI's Role: While still emerging in M&S, AI is poised to enhance pre-mission planning, scenario generation, and post-mission analysis, driving more effective and efficient training outcomes.Chris Duncan is a leading expert in defense training and simulation, currently serving as Director of Business Development at CAE USA's Next Generation Test & Training Systems. With nearly two decades in the U.S. Air Force, including serving as the first Commander of the 31st Combat Training Squadron, he has led large-scale teams and pioneered advancements in modeling and simulation for next-generation aircraft and weapons systems. An active member of numerous defense councils, Duncan's expertise spans artificial intelligence, data analytics, and strategic planning for high-end training and operational readiness.