ABSTRACT
There are new, innovative educational techniques and technologies available that include on-site, hands-on apprenticeship training, virtual and augmented reality tools, workplace simulators, robotics, computer based training as well as several other unique training programs developed both by the military maintenance community and industry. This forum will consist of Industry experts and DoD representatives offering innovative sustainment training technologies, programs, and techniques.
AGENDA
1300-1309: Welcome and Overview – Greg Kilchenstein (OSD-MPP) 01 (New) Tng Sust Workforce Intro & Final (May 2019)
1309-1310: Administrative Notes – Debbie Lilu (NCMS)
1310-1330: How the Acquisition Workforce is Being Trained on Supporting Sustainment – Bill Kobren (DAU) 02 DAU Brief to JTEG (28 May 19)
1330-1350: COMFRC Apprenticeship Program – Carlos Carcamo (NAVAIR)
1350-1405: USAF “Advanced Technology and Training Center” – TBD (Metal Technology Office) 04 ATTC — JTEG Tech Forum Brief (May 2019)
1405-1425: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Training Efforts at Keyport – Eric Peterson (NAWCTSD)
1425-1440: FIRST” Uses Robotics in DoD STEM Training – John Luvera (DLA) 06 FIRST Robotics
1440-1455: Digitally Transforming Training – Stephen Gordon (Microsoft) 07 Microsoft Digitally Transforming Training – 28 May 2019
1455-1500: Wrap-Up
Forum Minutes
Event: On 28 May 2019, the Joint Technology Exchange Group (JTEG), in coordination with the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), hosted a virtual forum on “Training the Sustainment Workforce”.
Purpose: The purpose of this forum was to have industry experts and DoD representatives present innovative sustainment training technologies, programs, and techniques that could benefit the DoD sustainment community. Included were on-site, hands-on apprenticeship training, virtual and augmented reality tools, workplace simulators, robotics, computer based training as well as several other unique training programs developed by both the DoD maintenance community and industry.
Welcome: Greg Kilchenstein – OSD(MPP) welcomed everyone to the forum, thanked the presenters and all the listeners for their attendance, discussed the importance of RE in DoD sustainment, and then briefly previewed the agenda.
Administrative: This was an open forum. The presentations, along with questions and answers, were conducted through Defense Collaboration Services (DCS) and Adobe Connect. A separate audio line was used. Approximately 60 participants from across DOD and industry joined in the forum.
How the Acquisition Workforce is Being Trained on Supporting Sustainment – Bill Kobren (DAU) discussed how sustainment across the life cycle is supported by a designated Product Support Manager (PSM) with an emphasis on program sustainment and operating and support costs. The PMs develop and implement an affordable & effective performance-based product support strategy. He described an integrated suite of product support focused learning assets and related resources, life cycle logistics DAWIA certification requirements, logistics and product support-focused continuous learning modules, and a portfolio of targeted DAU learning assets. He concluded with the Logistics Functional Area Gateway at: https://www.dau.mil/training/career-development/logistics/ .
COMFRC Apprenticeship Program – Carlos Carcamo (NAVAIR) explained how the program produces skilled tradespersons capable of filling key artisan, managerial and supervisory positions in the Fleet Readiness Center. He discussed the four years of training and a sample FRC apprentice roadmap, program status, apprenticeship scorecard, key enablers such as organizational structure, standards, trained instructors, and virtual training systems. He concluded with a discussion on the importance of academic partnerships.
USAF “Advanced Technology & Training Center (ATTC)” – Jason McDuffie and MSgt Josh Bemis (AF Metal Technology Office) described the purpose of the three ATTCs are to qualify state‐of‐the‐art advanced technologies for the sustainment enterprise while providing training for engineers and operators through a collaborative environment. The ATTCs focus on four main areas: new technology application, experimentation, process development, and training. In the case of additive manufacturing (AM), the ATTCs share best practices and lessons learned (e.g. AM Design Rule Book), and provide education and awareness of polymer and metals AM, scanning and modeling, AM materials, design for AM, and lessons learned for AM (e.g. Developmental Guidance Notifications). The ATTCs actively collaborate with Academia for research, training, and facilities, and conduct on-site training/courses for technicians and engineers.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Training Efforts / TECHRAT – Corey Countrymen (NUWC-KPT) discussed the Navy Augmented Reality (AR) Consortium’s vision to establish augmented reality as a trusted, essential tool for the US Navy. One method is by providing a forum for AR practitioners to coordinate development technologies and methodologies. He briefed a “Mixed Reality Road Map”, future mixed reality media choices, and mixed reality research and design areas. Corey also briefed the Technology Research Applications Team (TECHRAT), a research/production lab at NAWCTSD, Orlando, which has fielded several training products to include: Virtual Interactive Shipboard Instructional Tour (VISIT™) and 2D/3D/VR, Exploration of Haptics and Kinematics in Virtual Training. He concluded with a discussion on the applications of extended reality (XR) in training to include limitations, tasks well suited for XR in training, and how to prepare for XR.
FIRST” Uses Robotics in DoD STEM Training – John Luvera (DLA) described the “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology” (FIRST) program founded over 30 years ago. FIRST is a US-based global robotics competition whose mission is to inspire elementary, middle school, and high school students to be science and technology leaders. DoD STEM developed a partnership in 2009 with 49 teams. The number of sites, teams, DoD volunteers and students has increased to 901 team and 9,840 children as of (2017-2018). DoD scientist and engineer volunteers have provided an estimated 148,000 hours of mentoring in support of the FIRST program. FIRST builds critical work-life skills like creative problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork and soft skills, and prepares students for the future by providing skills to adapt quickly to changing technology and environments, and collaboration to drive innovation.
Digitally Transforming Training – Anu Gupta (Microsoft) discussed training and simulation technologies to include adaptive technologies for training and simulation such as building artificial intelligence systems using simulations, and the use of mixed reality for remote assistance, training and task guidance, collaborative visualization, and contextual data access. Mixed reality training has proven results in improving skills faster than traditional methods, improving efficiency and quality, and empowering first-line workers. He briefly mentioned some mixed reality products and concluded with a description of a current project with the 128th Aviation Brigade, and a strategic partnership with the U.S. Naval Academy.
Q&A – A Q&A occurred after each briefer finished their presentation. Questions and answers will be posted on the JTEG website with these minutes.
Closing Comments: Greg Kilchenstein thanked the presenters for their contributions and all the work being done to support efforts to train DoD sustainment personnel. He issued a challenge to all the JTEG principals to find opportunities within their organizations and throughout DoD where the information presented today can be utilized to support the DoD sustainment community. He encouraged continued collaboration beyond the forum and the importance of information exchange within the DoD maintenance community.
Action Items:
- Once the briefings are cleared for “public release” they will be posted on the JTEG website at https://jteg.ncms.org/ .
Next JTEG Meeting: The next scheduled JTEG virtual forum is 25 June, 1:00 – 3:00 pm EST. The topic is “Additive Manufacturing”.
POC this action is Ray Langlais, rlanglais@lmi.org , (571) 633-8019
Forum Q&A
How the Acquisition Workforce is Being Trained on Supporting Sustainment – Bill Kobren (DAU)
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Q1. What do you see as the most important thing that is necessary to bring the Engineering world and the Logistics world, due to different viewpoint of the weapon system?
A1. More clearly aligned. Constant communication and sharing of information.
COMFRC Apprenticeship Program – Carlos Carcamo (NAVAIR)
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Q1. Is the frequency of hiring once every 4 years?
A1. Every year
Q2. What is the impact of Apprentice acceptances when candidate interviews are held in April and onboard dates are 5 months later in September?
A2. Big impact. We may lose those potential candidates. We are trying to avoid that. Unfortunately, its’ driven by the budget.
Q3. Would there be value in Industrial STEM outreach for trade skill at local High Schools to increase awareness of these importance jobs and to recruit for apprentice program?
A3. Yes, that’s’ an excellent point. We are doing outreach, but need to explore it more.
USAF “Advanced Technology & Training Center” – Jason McDuffie & MSgt Josh Bemis (AF Metal Technology Office)
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Q1. What is your biggest supply chain problem related to AM?
A1. It is actually more of a post-processing issue. The supply chain is not really an issue. The biggest issue is the cost to stand up.
Q2. Do you have any overview training (or hands on training) for Air Force acquisition program office personnel?
A2. The majority of the training is in the design aspect and machine specific training.
Q3. How many metal 3d printed parts have been approved for use?
A3. Over 100 just here.
Q4. What destructive/non-destructive processes were used to qualify the parts?
A4. Qualifying is driven by the Program Office.
Q5. How do you sustain the AM machines?
A5. Unit level funding right now. We are working on a road map that will include sustainment of the machines in the future.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Training Efforts – Corey Countrymen (NUWC-KPT)
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Q1. Do you use 219 funding?
A1. Most of us are.
Q2. What are the refresh rates and is it enough to avoid motion sickness so to speak?
A2. 95% are around 90 hertz. Some people have higher acuity. It is dependent on the person. 100-120 is about the best the technology can do right now. We aim for greater than 100 hertz.
FIRST Robotics – John Luvera (DLA)
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No Questions
Training, Simulation and Wargaming – Anupam Gupta (Microsoft)
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Q1. What is the greatest challenge you are facing in DoD in terms of user acceptance to these technologies?
A1. That is a tough question to answer. We view it as a structural question. Two challenges are:
- Leadership and understanding: Challenge is tough and education is needed.
- Not implementing change management rigorously enough.