News From USJFCOM: USJFCOM hosts Joint National Training Capability training technology exposition

USJFCOM hosts Joint National Training Capability training technology exposition

U.S. Joint Forces Command gave visiting general and flag officers a walking tour of displays and technology demonstrations to showcase the command's efforts in training transformation.

By JOC(SW/AW) Chris Hoffpauir
USJFCOM Public Affairs

(SUFFOLK, Va. – June 1, 2006) – U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) gave visiting general and flag officers a walking tour of displays and technology demonstrations today to showcase the command's efforts in training transformation.

USJFCOM's Joint Warfighter Center (JWFC) coordinated the event to highlight current and future investment strategies for supporting joint and service training programs. The demonstrations provided a unique opportunity for service, combatant command and DoD officials to see the latest technologies and Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) initiatives the command is pursuing.

"This technology demonstration is part of USJFCOM's ongoing effort to foster a rapid transition of innovative science and technology from the laboratory to the field, focus research and development activities, and promote partnerships with industry that expedite capability solutions," JWFC Commander and USJFCOM's Director of Joint Training Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jon Gallinetti said in a letter welcoming the group.

Navy Capt. David Frost, director of the JNTC Joint Management Office at JWFC, said today's event focused on the technologies used to provide credible opposing forces (OPFOR) for training.

"Having realistic opposing forces is one of the key elements of the JNTC initiative," Frost said. "What we're demonstrating here is what we're doing within the OPFOR realm and where our investments are going. We're using 80 to 90 percent of what's on display today now in JNTC-enabled exercises.

"It runs the gamut from modeling and simulation to knowledge distribution tools to static displays. These are tools for training from the operational level to the tactical level."

JWFC Deputy Commander Army Maj. Gen. Rich Wightman said the event was an opportunity for the command to broaden the scope of its work in transforming military training. Wightman said USJFCOM Commander Air Force Gen. Lance Smith wanted the command to show what it's doing not only to support the Long War, but also what it's doing to support the joint warfighter in the future.

"Some of the things we're showing our guests today are applicable right now, supporting soldiers in the field. Others are applicable in the long term as well," said Wightman.

Among the group was Director of the Readiness and Training, Policy and Program Directorate in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Daniel Gardner.

Gardner leads DoD's Training Transformation Initiative (T2), which includes JNTC and the Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability, both managed by USJFCOM, and the Joint Assessment and Enabling Capability managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Gardner said events like today's exhibition are critical for keeping decision makers informed about what capabilities are available to improve training.

"This really opens my eyes to the potential of new capabilities being fielded," Gardner said. "If we can train realistically that gives our folks an edge when they get into an operational environment. It's all about resources and how you make the most efficient use of those resources. That's what USJFCOM is doing here, determining the best way to move forward in the training transformation."