SimuTrain™: Simulation-based Training for Leader Performance Optimization

With operational missions becoming increasingly more complex, leadership skills development has become a major DoD priority. To this end, the DoD has adopted simulation-based training (SBT) as the preferred approach for leadership skills development. However, despite its manifest advantages, traditional SBT has certain shortcomings that prevent its widescale adoption. This project is concerned with developing training simulations for leadership skills development that overcome these limitations. Based on a theory of leadership skills and driven by learning objectives, the training simulation is built on a sound pedagogical foundation that is informed by both the learning sciences and instructional theory. Phase I of this effort concluded with the development of a methodology/tool specification and a concept demonstration. Phase II will: refine the methodology; produce a prototype leadership training simulation with the requisite functionality for operational testing; and develop a technology transition and commercialization plan.