Simulator improves command post training

12/3/2003 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFPN)  -- A state-of-the-art simulator in the 334th Training Squadron here is giving command post apprentice course students vivid training, making them more mission-ready upon graduation.

The new $500,000 simulator replaced a 20-year-old system that was losing its upgrade capability, said squadron officials.

The primary benefit our command post students will receive is the tremendous boost in technology that were able to demonstrate to them thats already available out in the field, said Tech. Sgt. Gary McCray, project officer for technical phases of the simulators construction.

Students who use the simulator receive a 15-year leap forward in technology over students who recently graduated and used the old lab equipment, McCray said.

The new simulator incorporates several computer-based designs that function as command post simulation or as technology, providing the instructor with stronger tools to conduct training, squadron officials said.

Based on each instructors personal career-field experience, the new simulator design relied heavily on his or her input during construction.

The training squadron is made up of 12 instructors. The simulator houses four identically equipped cells designed to operate at a 3-1 student-to-instructor ratio.

The command post apprentice course will train between 450 to 500 students during (2004), said Stephen Hendricks, instructor supervisor for the command post apprentice course.

The instructor teams goal was to create a simulator that upgrades the level of technology to coincide with changes occurring in the field, while also providing upgrade capability for future enhancements.

Students will find the simulator easy to use, McCray said.

The simulator, in fact, will be easier to learn on because it better simulates equipment they are accustomed to in everyday life, he said. Students today are more computer savvy than ever. Theyre quite accustomed to touch-the-screen technology (using) the finger-on-glass communications display.

The finger-on-glass communications center is at the heart of the simulator. The device simulates the type of phone technology most command posts are going to in the field. It provides standard telephone communication operations, as well as simulating patch, transfer and conference capabilities.

Some of the features of the simulator are a voice-activated network, base public address, clock and surveillance systems.

Every detail designed into it was intended to give each student a realistic feel for the excitement of a busy command post day, McCray said. Students will be expected to quickly handle several emergency and routine command post situations to include in-flight emergencies, bomb threats, emergency actions and flight-following aircraft. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)