The Advanced Technologies for Integrated Naval Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Training and Assessment capability aims to enhance Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training capacity to ensure the total Naval force is ready and capable to succeed in any operational threat environment, but particularly in the Great Powers Competition threat environment; enable “anytime, anywhere” training for deployed Naval forces to maintain readiness and conduct mission rehearsal of emergent operational plans at the point of need; provide objective and consistent warfighter readiness assessments and evaluation of performance over time to ensure training objectives for the CSG are met; and ensure training is responsive to evolving threats in CSG Areas of Responsibility (AoRs), enabling combat surge readiness in force generation crises.
Research Concentration Areas
Develop Integrated, On-Demand LVC Training Capabilities: Enable “anytime, anywhere” training for deployed forces to maintain readiness and conduct mission rehearsal of emergent operational plans at the point of need. Research will focus on automating and streamlining LVC training set-up and execution processes to reduce the manpower and expertise needed to conduct training. An additional objective is increasing the realism and effectiveness of LVC training to enable the “Train as You Fight” paradigm.
Accelerate Development of Validated Techniques to Assess CSG Readiness: Develop standardized and objective performance metrics, data collection techniques, and analysis approaches to assess warfighter readiness, evaluate performance over time, and ensure training is meeting warfighting objectives for the Fleet. Assessing performance and readiness, in an objective and consistent manner will aid in determining when our force is ready to fight and win and what additional training may still be needed to mitigate the risk of sending unprepared warfighters into battle.
Research Challenges and Opportunities
Pioneer AI-Driven Automation and Realism: Develop advanced AI, including generative and agentic entities to automate complex scenario generation, create reactive and intelligent opposing/friendly forces, and streamline After-Action Reviews. This will significantly reduce the need for manual support and increase the complexity and realism of training exercises.
Modernize the LVC Training Environment: Integrate emerging technologies like VR/AR/MR and incorporate Information Warfare (IW) and Non-Kinetic Effects (NKE) directly into the LVC framework to eliminate simulation "white cards." This effort includes creating user-centered tools for at-sea training initiation and developing advanced data compression and distribution techniques to ensure high-fidelity training without exceeding network limitations.
Revolutionize Performance Assessment with Automated Analytics: Establish objective, standardized warfighting performance metrics and develop technologies for near real-time, automated data collection. The goal is to create intuitive data visualization interfaces that provide immediate feedback for debriefs and enable long-term trend analysis, streamlining the entire assessment process.
How to Submit
For detailed application and submission information for this research topic, please refer to our broad agency announcement (BAA) No. N0001425SB001.
Contracts: All white papers and full proposals for contracts must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal; instructions are included in the BAA.
Grants: All white papers for grants must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal, and full proposals for grants must be submitted through grants.gov; instructions are included in the BAA.