Last month in Stockholm, Sweden, experts across the defense community gathered for the 30th Annual ITEC show. The event boasted more than 2,500 attendees from over 60 different countries, all ready to discuss the evolving defense market, specifically around training, simulation, and education.
Following the event, Modern Military Training captured some of the top takeaways from ITEC 2019, including insights about developments in training realism, interoperability, and the evolution of the modeling and simulation community as a whole.
Here’s what ITEC 2019 attendees had to share:
As with most defense trade shows, the importance of international partnerships and the need for budget-friendly training solutions were a couple points that keynote speaker Major General Karl Engelbrekston of the Swedish Army touched on in his opening remarks.
Keynote speaker, Major Gen Karl Engelbrektson of the Swedish Army talks simulation at the combined arms level, interagency training, and the need for cost-efficient training solutions. #ITEC2019 pic.twitter.com/UhaSSt0Qhv
— ITEC 2019 (@ITEC_Event) May 14, 2019
With interoperability being one of the central themes of this year’s show, it’s not surprising that several thought leaders came to the table with insights about improving interoperability. ITEC speaker Dr. Frank DiGiovanni highlighted specifically the importance of human characteristics like humility and empathy to the success of interoperable programs and solutions. It is by implementing those characteristics in programs that the “holy grail” of true cross-domain training access can take place.
Interoperability, the theme of #ITEC2019 to Dr. Frank DiGiovanni, is both tech and people – particularly humility, empathy & respect; this based on data, not opinion. @ITEC_Event. pic.twitter.com/DxFlKwzMfB
— Benjamin Bell (@training_bell) May 14, 2019
Closing in on the #LVC grail. Funded programs of record are fully embracing the “holy grail” of true interoperability, anytime anyplace, across training devices, and with allied and friendly nations. Marty Kauchak in the new #Halldale MS&T https://t.co/0snp8ctGPu #ITEC2019 pic.twitter.com/HyGsdIx5ul
— Rick Adams (@avtrngeditor) May 13, 2019
How to make simulated training more realistic is always a topic of discussion, because the more realistic the training can be, the better equipped our warfighters are. All the way down to simulated civilians in a training scenario can improve decision-making skills for warfighters. These factors all contribute to a more seamless training environment. Modern Military Training published insights from Saab’s Tony Vonthoff on the importance of fidelity in simulation and training programs, speaking directly to how it contributes to the readiness of the warfighter.
thought this was a strong idea and kinda surprised it hadn’t been done before – virtual training environments featuring civilians to more accurately reflect decision making scenarios in places like Yemen, Syria and Ukraine. #ITEC2019 @SimCentric https://t.co/VOlvNj1tJo
— kate martyr (@KateMartyr) May 15, 2019
.@Saab‘s #LiveTraining offering consists of a range of hardware, software & #communications options that work together to provide a seamless and realistic battle experience. https://t.co/8YAxiQ7c9z #ITEC2019 #Training pic.twitter.com/fLrJUvyX8O
— MILITARY TECHNOLOGY (@MILTECH1) May 14, 2019
The evolution of the modeling and simulation community as a whole is an ongoing discussion among defense leaders and serves as one of the primary reasons for annual gatherings like ITEC. Hearing an international perspective on this evolution is crucial to future innovation.
Modelling and Simulation (M&S) has become an indispensable part of the #defence enterprise. Hear Ben Doyle of Thales talk about the value of adopting MSaaS at @ITEC_Event #ITEC2019 @ThalesDefence pic.twitter.com/u9O12i2t4t
— Thales UK (@ThalesUK) May 15, 2019
The Modern Military Training team looks forward to seeing what ITEC 2020 has to offer in the way of insights about the future of simulation and training in the military.
