New technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality (AR/VR) and remote simulator instruction will speed up Airman training and improve graduation rates, according to Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, director of Air Education and Training Command. He says it is helping him improve. That technology is key to what he calls “cognitive pace,” allowing Airmen to quickly absorb new information and adapt to change.
“At AETC, we are doing the best at defining, codifying and vocally advocating the value of cognition in learning,” Robinson said May 7 at the Air Force Modeling and Simulation Summit in San Antonio, Texas. “I haven’t done my best,” he said. “Many of these technological tools are technological tools that we have today that I think increase the value, pace, and intensity of cognition, which is accelerating cognition.”
One example is the School of Aircraft Avionics and Maintenance Technology, where AR/VR classes were shortened by 20 days, he said.
“In terms of man-hours, that’s money, it’s time for them to complete their training and go from there to their mission,” Robinson said. “That’s unbelievable.”
Another example is virtual reality training for military dog handlers, which means less wear and tear on the actual dogs, the general said. He also notes that the graduation rate of air traffic controller trainees at Keesler Air Force Base, Michigan, has improved since instructors installed simulators in dormitories, and that students are now able to “work more on their own time, not just on their instructor’s schedule.” I’m now able to practice,” he said. ”
Simulators and AR/VR are not new to the Air Force training scene, but they could play a bigger role as the Air Force looks to fundamentally change how it prepares airmen for future conflicts . In February, the Air Force announced it would expand AETC and rename it Airman Development Command. This is intended to enhance the training of airmen to work in small, independent units and enable ADCs to change quickly in response to operational demands.
Although the exact details of the ADC have not yet been released, officials say the training will be tailored to each Airman’s needs, will focus on operating in austere environments, and will continue to develop Airmen throughout their careers. hinted that it would continue.
“To maintain an asymmetric advantage, we must develop the right mix of Airmen and Guardians with the skills and capabilities needed for high-end system-of-systems combat roles,” Robinson said in a February statement. We need to maintain our technological superiority.” “These changes will help streamline organizational force development responsibilities under one command and significantly improve the Air Force’s ability to produce and sustain mission-ready Airmen for competition and conflict. Masu.”
AETC as a whole has learned lessons from recent adjustments to undergraduate pilot training, now using more simulators, self-paced learning and artificial intelligence. Most aviators think of simulators as large, expensive, full-motion machines, Robinson said, but new pilot training courses have found that smaller, more affordable devices can also be effective. That’s what it means. It also enables other modifications, such as using remote simulator instructors to train student pilots on isolated bases.
“It’s hard to get people to Laughlin Air Force Base,” Robinson said. “It’s a great environment, but it’s remote and isolated, and in many situations people either don’t want to be there or can’t be there based on the medical care available. How can we use technology to bridge that gap so that we have the right number of instructors to do that?”
Next, Robinson said AETC is looking at ways to prepare pilots for “not just aviation, but fifth-generation aviation.” Partner air forces are already screening potential pilots, as fifth-generation aircraft make up a large portion of the fleet, he said.
“They’re pre-screening, not just in-person coordination and dexterity and aptitude,” the general said. “They’re asking how you handle the high volume and decision-making that’s being forced on you, and that’s what the 5th generation platform does for you and presents to you as an operator. ”
To pursue some of these changes, AETC plans to launch several “centers of excellence” this summer, Robinson said. We need to pursue that space: “Working with industry, academia, and the learning engineering/learning design field to consider what should and should not be adopted.” ”
But new technology requires a workforce that can put it to use quickly, and Robinson said that’s not yet the case at AETC. The command aims to “upgrade the force’s digital skills” over the next few years, which means new requirements for certain positions and new educational tools to meet them.
Robinson, who first took command of AETC in May 2022, is expected to step down soon as part of the regular biennial rotation of active-duty officers, but a replacement date and change of command date have not yet been determined, AETC said. a spokesperson told Aviation. & Space Force Magazine. Still, the public hopes that whatever changes come to AETC, it will continue to evolve rather than remain static.
“How do I set it up so that the iterations continue?” he asked. “I can’t accept the idea that ‘this is going to be good for 10 years’ anymore. That’s not acceptable, at least not to me.”
