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In 1998, ThoughtLink was funded by DARPA to explore how low-cost gaming and collaboration technologies could augment Joint Task Force (JTF) training for OOTW. Current OOTW training, particularly for JTF staff and interagency representatives, has some limitations. For JTF staffs, OOTW training is infrequent; large-scale exercises occur only every 18-24 months. Training often uses combat versus OOTW simulations and JTF training rarely or poorly incorporates outside participation from international organizations, interagency representatives, and non-governmental organizations. Finally, current JTF staff training has minimal focus on pre-deployment or post-deployment tasks.
This presentation includes a description of ThoughtLink Inc.'s 1998 work, assessing JTF training and how low-cost gaming and collaboration technologies might augment this training. It will include a summary of ThoughtLink's work in this area for 1999.
In 1999, under funding from DARPA and OSD's CCRP, ThoughtLink is developing a collaborative, Internet-based environment for low-cost OOTW training, analysis, and collaborative planning. The environment is designed to address the training shortfalls mentioned above. It can be used more frequently because it is lower in cost; it can easily include outside participation because it is web-based, and it can be designed around scenario segments that address all phases of an OOTW exercise.
The goal of this web-based environment is to provide a low-cost, easy-to-use tool that will provide JTF staffs and interagency representatives the opportunity to work together in planning large-scale exercises and to practice OOTW-specific skills, including collaboration and consensus-building. The environment will capture interactions and products created by the participants, therefore providing a rich source of data for OOTW analysis.
