Future Naval Training Environments

The Secretary of the Navy asked CNA to consider and evaluate options for training naval forces in the future. His objective is to ensure that naval forces are ready for real-world operations. This training encompasses individual military personnel; units such as ships, squadrons, or battalions; and large forces such as battle groups and the Marine Air Ground Task Force. This training prepares these various levels of naval forces for the challenges they could face in combat. Thus, it prepare them to perform their tasks, no matter how complex, in the face of danger to themselves and others. (Preparing forces to perform in dangerous circumstances is a driving factor behind the use of real fire in training environments.) In doing our evaluation, we sought to understand the elements of training that are vital and those that are not. We also sought to understand what can be represented or simulated and what must be replicated and practiced. And we analyzed planned future systems and future operational concepts and what will require in terms of an effective training environment. These requirements shaped our analysis.