Techonology-Based Solutions

Phoenix Tactical Satellite Training System

Project Description

Booz Allen has been working with the Army’s Program Management office of the Warfighter Information Network–Tactical (WIN-T) in providing training support for the development and implementation of the Phoenix Tactical Super High Frequency (SHF) Satellite Terminal. We were tasked with performing specific analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Phoenix Satellite Training System (TS) using the Instructional System Design/Systems Approach to Training (ISD/SAT) models. This training system provides Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 25S Advanced Individual Training (AIT) students with the capability to establish and maintain task proficiency on individual and collective tasks critical to accomplishing the Phoenix mission. The Phoenix TS task has two primary components: develop interactive multimedia instruction (IMI) and integrate hardware and facilities.

Develop Interactive Multimedia Instruction

The focus is on incorporating highly interactive software, hardware and simulations, three-dimensional (3D) multimedia elements, scenario-based learning, and intrinsic and extrinsic feedback into a robust learning experience for the soldier.  The simulated 3D model allows the student to manipulate the communications equipment, such as adjusting dials, maintaining and operating satellite communications, and simulating the software that controls the terminal.  The simulated environment also allows the student to navigate with a first-person, 360-degree perspective, allowing the student to examine operational details, troubleshoot, and remove and replace defective equipment.

The decision to develop web-based simulation training was based on the need to provide realistic training on operating and maintaining the system with limited access to the equipment.  There are a limited number of Phoenix SHF terminals, and most of them are deployed to active units; therefore, an alternative venue was needed to efficiently train for these operation and maintenance tasks.

Booz Allen conducted a thorough analysis of individual and crew tasks that operators and maintainers perform, which included an evaluation of the existing training and supporting materials. We developed a modularized design that is Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model (SCORM) conformant and supports sustainment training in the field.
The IMI courseware incorporates a highly interactive simulation composed of two major components: a 3D model of the two system vehicles and a simulation of the control monitoring and alarm software used to control the system. The student moves back and forth between these two systems seamlessly. In addition, the IMI supports access to the Electronic Technical Manual and other performance support tools. One of the tools is a set of cut sheets that provide mission parameters; the simulation allows for different data to be entered for different mission scenarios, recognizes the data on the cut sheet, and verifies the correct data. This process requires that the software simulation read the data entered on the cut sheet and give feedback to the student when erroneous data are entered. 

The 3D model of the hardware presented an even greater challenge. To provide the realism required for training, the highly complex model provides considerable detail and includes realistic controls that the students manipulate as they would the actual equipment. In addition, the model can return to a previous state if the student wants to repeat a step in the instruction. This flexibility provides the student more control over the pace and sequence of instruction than is normally offered with 3D modeling.

The Phoenix TS system is built in accordance with US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) regulation 350-70 and SCORM 2004 compliance.

Intended or Achieved Results

The front-end integrated analysis was completed, and a report produced in September 2005. This report included all supporting evidentiary data and some proposed solutions for the design approach. The design approach was based on the analytical findings and approved by the client in October 2005. The IMI courseware is approximately 65-percent complete, and initial client response has been extremely positive. It has been said that the simulation shines in building realistic troubleshooting exercises for the maintenance unit within the course. With actual equipment, it is difficult to create realistic troubleshooting conditions; however, through the use of simulations, Booz Allen has been able to create more realistic troubleshooting scenarios in less time and at lower cost.

Defense Manpower Data Center

Project Description

The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is part of the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA), which is a Department of Defense (DoD) Field Activity.  Although the name and the supporting activity have varied over the years, DMDC’s primary mission has always been to support the information management needs of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

DMDC provides training worldwide for end users of its applications.  In November 2004, DMDC contracted Booz Allen to develop and implement an Enterprise Training Program—a total learning solution—with demonstrated effectiveness through metrics, for end users of various DMDC applications.  The solution blends proven best practices in analysis, development, distribution, and management from the commercial and governmental sectors—coupling those best practices with creative and innovative processes and using emerging technology that can be easily adopted today and adapted over time.

Our approach involves a total training system that enables DMDC to provide a learning environment capable of flexing quickly to keep up with a dynamic and fluid operational environment.  The training system integrates user support and help desk services, and implements a Learning Management System (LMS) to identify and address training needs through both web-based and instructor-led courses.

Booz Allen’s initial web-based training effort was to design and develop a certification course for more than 10,000 end users of the Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) application, which supports the Uniformed Services Identification (ID) Card program.  The course was delivered in November 2005 using the DMDC LMS and implements the Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model (SCORM) 2004 standard.  This standard enables content sharing between LMSs and implements prescriptive learning, a model that allows users to focus only on the learning objects in which they have not yet demonstrated mastery.  The use of prescriptive learning in the RAPIDS course helps minimize training time and focuses learners on the most relevant learning content.

Another key aspect of RAPIDS training is the use of innovative and interactive course elements that engage the learner and enhance retention.  The RAPIDS application training uses software simulations that reproduce an application environment for the student in a pressure-free context.  Students can practice procedures and walk through customer service scenarios in the courses.  Importantly, these same course elements are used in the assessment portion of the course.  The skills practiced during the learning modules must be demonstrated by the RAPIDS users in order for them to complete certification.  The RAPIDS courseware also includes hardware and procedural training using multimedia elements such as video, audio, and animations.  These course elements not only enhance the learning experience but are delivered to RAPIDS users with minimal staffing requirements—essential for a distributed audience.

RAPIDS content, courseware, and LMS applications are Government-off-the-shelf (GOTS) capabilities that can be shared and reused, not only by DoD but by others across the Federal Government.  The Department of the Interior is already working with DoD to leverage this training capability.

Since the implementation of the RAPIDS course, Booz Allen has helped expand the DMDC Enterprise Training effort through creation of new courseware for several DMDC-sponsored programs and through maintenance of courseware and the DMDC LMS.  New courseware efforts have included training, education, and performance support products for DMDC employees and customers ranging from user guide and help systems to certification programs for security personnel.  Maintenance activities have included courseware development and updates for changes in learning needs, enhancements to the LMS based on program requirements and varied models for tracking user certification, and updates to both courseware and the LMS identified through Booz Allen’s continuous monitoring and evaluation of the training experience through its support of training help desk activities.

Intended or Achieved Results

To date, Booz Allen has helped DMDC achieve the following results —

• Deployment of the DMDC LMS, which establishes an infrastructure on which training can be deployed and managed in a secure environment.
• Certification of almost 4,000 RAPIDS users through a performance-based learning model that greatly enhances the baseline of knowledge in a security-sensitive ID card issuance process.
• Substantial reduction in costs by substituting web-based courseware for instructor-led training at more than 2,000 RAPIDS sites worldwide.  Long-term training cost savings for the implementation of the web-based certification course are in the range of $4 million to $5 million per year.
• Reduced help desk support costs for RAPIDS users because knowledge becomes more standardized and self-help and performance support tools are more readily available to users.
• Deployment of DMDC courses for employees on topics such as Security Awareness, which was transformed from an expensive CD-based delivery mechanism to a reusable and flexible web-based training delivery.
• Delivery of the first SCORM 2004 conformant courseware on an LMS that is SCORM 2004 conformant and public key infrastructure-enabled.