Virtual reality helping air commandos modernize training

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — The 492d Special Operations Training Group recently hosted Air Education and Training Command’s Integrated Technology Platform team here on Hurlburt Field.

ITP personnel visited Hurlburt Field to learn more about the unique training requirements and capabilities within the 492d Special Operations Wing and Air Force Special Operations Command.

The platform’s capabilities were also demonstrated to members of the wing, from potential end-users to the command team.

The “I” in ITP stands for integrated and the new platform seamlessly integrates multiple forms of technology, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and machine learning and connects it all under artificial intelligence.

The program’s end goal isn’t just to offer a new way of doing business; it is a concerted effort to flip the concept of effective training.

What worked 20, 10, or even 5 years ago won’t work as effectively today, or in the future.

The world has changed, technology has changed, the way Airmen and Air Commandos learn has changed. The Air Force must be capable of leveraging current and future technologies to maintain its dominance as the world’s foremost air power.

“In a nutshell, what we have done is flipped the whole concept of learning,” said Mr. Masoud Rasti, AETC ITP program manager.

“Our new Airmen are Airmen of technology. This really challenges them to give them that knowledge and excitement and increase their competency and proficiency.”

Another major benefit of the ITP program is the speed at which end-users can identify requirements and receive solutions.

“You can identify a requirement and within four months see the end result,” said Rasti. “That is truly acquisition reform.”

Being able to conduct high-fidelity training in a virtual environment maximizes resources in the current resource-constrained environment.

Reducing flying hours reduces strain on physical and financial resources. Even when conducting training missions on the range, every mission is a no-fail mission. Maximizing training in a realistic and virtual environment protects AFSOC’s most important resource: its people.

“We have to evolve with the resources we have,” said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Moore, 492d Special Operations Training Group Senior Enlisted Leader.

“Hopefully we can take this capability and reform how we train Air Commandos, give them some time back, give them the opportunity to learn on their own time and sharpen their skills as an Air Commando.”

Traditional weapons systems simulators require a physical, often large, footprint and students must physically travel to the site. With emerging capabilities and technologies, there is a very real scenario in which personnel from across AFSOC can put on their headsets and virtually join an instructor at the formal training unit, saving the Air Force and Air Commandos time, both in travel and in lost training, as well as money.

“We look at our training enterprise—how we train aircrew members and Irregular Warfare team members,” said Mr. Ricardo Morales, AFSOC training branch chief.

“Starting in FY23, we’ll have funding to purchase the technology for our wings.”

By 2d Lt. Jason Barkey, 1st Special Operations Wing