ARLINGTON, Va.—The (ONR) recently hosted more than 100 experts for discussions on how science and technology can improve warfighter performance—and in the process assembled a panel of leading specialists that could transform training, experimentation and planning for Navy missions and operations.
The Warfighter Performance Focus Area Forum, held Nov. 5, was the third in a series of low-cost events started by Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Matthew L. Klunder to bring together naval leaders and program managers with potential research partners in industry and academia.
“Today is all about dialogue—how we discover, develop and deliver new capabilities for the warfighter,” Klunder told attendees. “We are bringing together some of the best scientific minds with the fleet to figure out how we can improve warfighter resilience and give our Sailors and Marines the most advanced, affordable training technologies possible—this all about improving readiness for our Navy and Marine Corps.”
Visit ONR’s YouTube page to view a highlight video of the event.
The forum featured a panel discussion on Fleet Integrated Training, Experimentation and Planning programs (FITEP) to deliver realistic, integrated simulation-based training to prepare forces to deploy affordably and effectively. ONR’s experimentation work uses simulation to develop and assess new missions and operational concepts, while mission planning technologies enable course-of-action assessment in real-time.
“We’re shaping the future of naval warfighter performance by identifying technology solutions to complex challenges—and doing it with a first-class team of training experts,” said Dr. Terry Allard, head of ONR’s Warfighter Performance Department. “Our FITEP initiatives explore a mix of live, virtual and constructive scenarios to prepare Sailors for any kind of situation.”
Sessions also focused on warrior resilience—programs that aid warfighter readiness, health and recovery on and off the battlefield as highlighted in the Chief of Naval Operations’ 2014 Position Report. Panel members discussed how resilience programs establish tools, knowledge and techniques to enhance individual performance and health through innovative training, education and medical interventions.
Click here to download briefings and information from the most recent forum.
The Focus Area Forums were introduced to complement ONR’s Naval Future Force Science and Technology Expo, which will feature a broader range of discussions and technology covering everything from power and energy to robotics and autonomy.
The S&T Expo takes place Feb. 5 in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit: http://www.onr.navy.mil/expo.