ECS Upgrades Logistics Training Applications for US Air Force

Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) is working withthe U.S. Air Force to modernize and advance the use of innovation and emergingeducational technologies for its training programs at the ExpeditionaryOperations School (EOS) at JB Dix/McGuire/Lakehurst. These modernizations willallow airmen to safely prepare for in-garrison and deployment operations.Current projects include applications, courseware, and simulation that directlysupport the Air Force’s combat support mission in the full range ofexpeditionary operations, including deployment planning, logistics readiness,air transportation, maintenance, and command and control. In addition, ECS isunder contract to develop new simulation and application projects which willcontinue to evolve the logistics and aviation industry. Shane Taber, ECS vice president/developmentdirector oversees the EOS project with Joe Neubauer serving as the project managerand subject matter expert.

Through its EOS contract, ECS is developing animated modelsof relevant equipment and environments that mirror real-world operations in theacademic environment. The overall goal for this training is to provide acontrolled environment that simulates the logistics settings and aviationequipment to effectively prepare trainees for real-world situations whileensuring the training objectives are met.

While the EOS projects are in various stages of theirlifecycle, the ECS team continues to maintain, upgrade, and improvecapabilities through constant communication with the EOS to ensure that thelatest technology and equipment are integrated into the simulators. Currentprojects include Aerial Port Expeditor, Installation Deployment Officer, AirMobility Command & Control, Pallet Build-Up, Air Terminal OperationsCenter, Passenger Service, Unit Deployment Manager, and a Customer Servicecourse, as well as Center-of-Balance and Cargo Restraint applications. Newprojects, including the Aviation Resource Management and Joint Inspectionsimulators, are in the early stages of development and are projected to bereleased in 2020.

Neubauer adds: “These EOS projects are primarily centeredaround operations within the DOD logistics community; however, the projectsdemonstrate the capability to provide an immersive training tool that could beused in practically any industry that has an appetite for training andsimulation. What makes these projects unique is the use of the latesttechnology to develop the applications and the tools and equipment within thesimulators. Constant upgrades allow the EOS to communicate the latesttechnological advancements being used within DOD logistics for inclusion intothe projects.”

Current simulation projects will be available fordemonstration on-site at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation andEducation Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Florida, from December 2-5.