Interactive naval gunfire support training.

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to develop an interactive computer system for Man-In-The-Loop Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) training. In attaining this goal, it provides the end user with the full range of exercises a ship sees at the NGFS ranges. The emphasis is on coordinated teamwork to facilitate a seamless transition from the training (non-firing) environment to liveround firings. The benefits are three-fold. First, a more cohesive primary team will be developed. Second, the declining DoD budget demands that fewer training rounds are expended and that the training and maintenance budget be reduced. Finally, a more efficient use of range time will result from better shipboard teamwork. The NGFS training model encompasses the five testable scenarios from COMNAVSURFLANTINST 3570.2D (Gunsmoke) and incorporates the appropriate mix of point, area, and counter-battery fire. A built-in umpiring capability impartially monitors time-line events and awards the appropriate points and penalties. A training report is generated to document the exercise and compare results to historical performance. A statistical analysis of improvements by milestones in mission vs. the norm is done to emphasize areas in critical need for improvement.