Air Force Global Strike Airmen set up equipment for an Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications Command Post. (Courtesy of King Crow Studios)
By Sean Green | Communications Manager
BOSSIER CITY, La. — A Louisiana-based company has been selected to innovate the way Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) trains command post and communication squadron personnel.
Through AFGSC’s partners at the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), King Crow Studios has been chosen to develop virtual reality (VR) software for training personnel who set up and operate a command post in unprepared alternate locations.
“The command post is the vital hub for our nation’s nuclear command, control and communications. Having an effective way to train these personnel is of major importance for national security,” said Kevin Nolten, CIC president. “I am honored and excited to help Global Strike Command with this modernization effort.”
This project will train command post personnel on existing equipment and procedures in different scenarios, no matter the challenges presented by weather and specialists’ availability.
“Advances in VR learning will allow creation of various scenarios with detailed replicas of real-world equipment. Leveraging this type of training results in the ability to train in all weather conditions, familiarization for increased proficiency, and no need for additional assistance resulting in reduced training time,” said AFGSC Chief Scientist Dr. Donna Senft.
In addition to creating various high fidelity training scenarios, the prototype will allow an instructor to view the simulation on a secondary screen. The instructor can also provide real-time feedback as scenarios progress. Training data will be stored so instructors can identify trends and best practices.
“We have captured scans of and procedures for equipment used by command post personnel. With our crawl, walk, and run approach, this prototype will be focused on the set-up, test, and shutdown of the communications systems used in unprepared alternate locations,” said Cody Louviere, founder and CEO of King Crow Studios. “This new trainer will succeed in reduced training time, on-the-job training needed, and equipment availability for command post personnel.”
A first iteration will be presented in early fall before a second iteration follows in early 2025.
About the Cyber Innovation Center
Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), located in Bossier City, Louisiana, is the anchor of the 3,000-acre National Cyber Research Park and serves as the catalyst for the development and expansion of a knowledge-based workforce throughout the region. As a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation, CIC fosters collaboration among its partners and accelerates technology, research, and development. One of its primary missions is to develop a sustainable knowledge-based workforce that can support the growing needs of government, industry, and academic partners.