Challenges
The SCALPED project (Simulation de Combat Automatisée en Libre-service Pour l'Enseignement à Distance) was initiated by the DSRO (French military simulation and operation research department) to evaluate the pros and cons of using self-training simulation software for training Army officers.
During six months, a self-training version of MASA Sword is created and made available from the SCALPED website to the French Army potential users. This version of MASA Sword is packaged so that new users without any knowledge of simulation software can use it:
- Ergonomics is improved through a simplified installation process and a brand new frontend interface, with advanced software wizards available.
- Tutorials and sample scenarios with automated enemies were added to basic content, thus enabling self-training.
Solution
Apart from the special version of MASA Sword, SCALPED set up a dedicated website providing a secured access for downloading the simulation and different collaborative tools. These tools allowed registered users to get support both on software and doctrine aspects and to share their experience on new or existing scenarios by sending ORBATs, terrains, after action reviews, etc., to their peers.
At the end of the experiment, the SCALPED server statistics as well as user feedback were gathered in order to compute indicators on user interest and determine future development orientations for the software so that it matches more closely the end-users needs. Using this report, the client would decide whether or not to provide SCALPED as a permanent online service to its officers.
Key benefits
SCALPED could pave the way to a future online self-training system for officers, which will:
- Ease tactical training of young officers, in particular for joint operations
- Provide pedagogical tools for instructors in charge of tactical training
- Allow individual assessment of joint tactical knowledge
- Bring in feedback from a large user population to improve simulation software
- Ease setup and management of group instruction within regiments