Command Interoperability Program Explained

The chapter hosted Lt. Col. Johnny Powers, USA, in November. Col. Powers is a simulation operations officer assigned to the Program Executive Office of Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) serving as the executive agent for the Simulation to Mission Command Interoperability (SIMCI) program. This program supports both PEO STRI and the Program Executive Office – Command, Control and Communications Tactical (PEO C3T). Col. Powers provided an overview of three areas: the duties and responsibilities of a simulations operations (FA57) officer; SIMCI functions; and his service as the contracting officer representative in Afghanistan. As FA57's, the officers in this career field are expected to provide subject matter expertise in three areas. First, simulation officers are provided the education and experience in the use of simulations to support operations and training functions; they are expected to provide expertise on the use and integration of mission command systems and functions, and to support knowledge management operations that are focused on people, processes and technology to improve the quality and timeliness of decisions. Second, he explained that SIMCI was established to focus on the gaps that exist between mission command and simulations. This is accomplished by providing a methodology to identify and seek solutions that will increase the functionality of training simulations to support mission command systems and provide immersion and functionality for user. This is accomplished through the diligent oversight of a group of six SIMCI architects who are strategically positioned in organizations that work on both simulation and mission command programs.

SIMCI currently is using technical working groups focused on conversion and networks in support of the Army's COE efforts. SIMCI has two additional working groups established to assist in providing common geospatial terrain and working with an independent analysis of the value of simulations used to conduct training. The last topic of discussion was the support Col. Powers provided as the contract officer representative while deployed from February to September of 2012. While deployed, the colonel supported to NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan (NTM-A) using the Warfighter Focus contract to facilitate the training of the Afghan Air Component in flight training and staff functions, logistical training for both conventional and special operations, counter improved explosive device and route clearance training, support to stand up the Afghan training command and specific support to special operations counter terrorism efforts.

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