Web portal helps commanders use resources at Integrated Training Environment

By Mike Casey, Combined Arms Center Training, and Scott Myers, National Simulation CenterFebruary 24, 2015

Web portal helps commanders use Integrated Training Environment
Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division move against an opposing force position as part of an exercise that combined live, virtual and constructive training at Fort Bliss, Texas. Commanders can learn more about conducting similar exercises through the... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (Jan. 30, 2015) -- Now commanders have online access to the best practices for conducting training exercises that combine live and virtual training.

Commanders from platoons to brigades will find many training resources about the Integrated Training Environment, also known as ITE, on the ITE Portal. It is located on: https://ite.army.mil. The site requires a Common Access Card.

The portal explains how the ITE leverages live, virtual and constructive training technologies to help leaders create tough, realistic exercises at a home station.

The Army has fielded the ITE to posts around the world, but some commanders are not aware of the benefits of combining training technologies. The National Simulation Center, or NSC, recognized the need and established the ITE Portal.

"This new dynamic online resource will help commanders understand how to plan, prepare, execute and access ITE training exercises," said Col. David Cannon, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's capability manager. "It supports commanders and their staffs by giving them access to the best practices as well as tactics, techniques and procedures."

The ITE portal links to videos and reference materials to help at each stage of the training management process.

Many of the reference materials were written by warfighters for fellow warfighters. To help commanders locate the right resource, the portal has a search feature.

The portal also carries a link to the Leaders Guide to Training, which explains how to use the ITE at the plan, prepare, execute and access stages.

Introducing the portal now comes at an important time as more units train at home station where space is limited. The ITE addresses this difficulty by linking Soldiers training on ranges with those training in the virtual environment.

The portal will give commanders insights into combining training aids, devices, simulators and simulations to replicate a complex environment. It also offers commanders a forum to discuss their training needs, which will help capability developers improve the ITE.

The NSC is a subordinate organization of the Combined Arms Center -- Training, also known as CAC-T, which manages training support and training development programs.

You can follow CAC-T at: http://usacac.army.mil/organizations/cact. Its Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/usacactraining and its Twitter handle is @usacactraining.

Related Links:

Army Milgaming Network

U.S. Army Combined Arms Center

National Simulation Center

Army training, technology evolving

The Leaders Guide to the ITE helps when you can't train live all of the time

Army.mil: Science and Technology News

Army Low Overhead Training Toolkit in Reserve Component Training

Mission Command Exercise Planner Course