Wednesday, May 27, 2015
What is it?
The Live, Virtual, Constructive Integrating Architecture (LVC-IA) provides the computer hardware and software that allows training systems to work together in the Integrated Training Environment (ITE). Developed through U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s Combined Arms Center, the ITE combines action from various types of training to populate mission command systems with data and provide a more realistic common operating picture for the commander. The integrating architecture of the ITE provides interoperability for:
During an exercise, data from these training environments stimulate mission command information systems. Yet to the commander in the tactical operations center, all actions appear as if they are live.
What has the Army done?
Since 2012, the Army has fielded the LVC-IA to 11 installations to provide realistic multilevel training for brigade and below. In December 2014, the Army validated and accredited LVC-IA version 1.3, which integrated Virtual Battlespace 3 with the other training systems.
Why is this important to the Army?
The LVC-IA enables commanders to use the ITE for creating realistic training exercises with some of the complexity of a combat training center event. By connecting the live, virtual and constructive training environments, the ITE expands the available training space.
With the assistance of brigade and division simulation officers, units can leverage the installation’s mission training complex resources to ensure effective collective training.
For instance, companies can conduct air-ground integration while stimulating their command posts’ systems. At the same time, battalions can conduct staff training that incorporates engineer assets clearing routes in VBS3, Armor and Mechanized Infantry formations operating in the Close Combat Tactical Trainer, and Aviation in the Aviation Combined Armed Tactical Trainer providing close-air support.
While building unit cohesion, the training costs a fraction of a live event. LVC-IA’s interoperability also reduces the personnel needed for integrated or blended exercises. And with improved training systems interoperability, mission training complex capabilities are limited only by the commander’s and design team’s imagination.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
LVC-IA Version 2 will allow geographically separated brigades, or task forces, to train together via LVC-IA’s distributed capability, the LVC-IA remote kit, and existing simulations and simulators as part of a pre-combat training center, or pre-deployment exercise.
Resources:
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