AF LVC Operational Training (LVC-OT)

The AF LVC Operational Training (LVC-OT) program is a United States Air Force initiative under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, focused on developing and sustaining advanced modeling and simulation capabilities for operational training and exercises. The primary goal of LVC-OT is to enhance warfighter readiness by providing realistic, interoperable, and readily available training environments that integrate live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) elements. This program supports both Joint and Air Force-specific training objectives, ensuring that personnel are prepared for the full spectrum of military operations. LVC-OT is aligned with the Department of Defense's training transformation efforts, the Joint National Training Capability (JNTC), and USAF core functions. It leverages the Kessel Run portfolio and the All Domain Common Platform (ADCP) for cloud-based infrastructure.

Project 674567: Modeling and Simulation Foundations (MSF) is a key component of LVC-OT, centered on the development and support of the Air, Space and Cyberspace Collaborative Environment Information Operations Suite (ACE-IOS). ACE-IOS is a federation of constructive models used to simulate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare (EW), information operations (IO), and cyber effects during training and exercises. The objective is to provide realistic and authoritative simulation tools for use by Joint Task Force commanders, Combatant Commanders' battle staff, and the USAF intelligence schoolhouse. The project emphasizes continuous modernization, agile software development, and integration with other simulation environments to ensure training remains relevant to evolving threats and operational requirements.

The goals for ACE-IOS include delivering new software versions, modernizing model and simulation capabilities for C5ISR training, and integrating with the Command & Control Simulation Environment for Training (C2SET). Planned enhancements focus on supporting multi-domain operations and providing cyber effects simulation for tactical cyber mission forces, cyber service providers, and operational-level planners. The budget increase for ACE-IOS is justified by the need for more comprehensive and realistic training environments, especially for global exercises supporting USINDOPACOM and homeland defense missions. The acquisition strategy relies on incremental development and open competition, leveraging commercial best practices for agile software delivery.

Project 675135: Warfighter Readiness supports the development and deployment of the Command & Control Simulation Environment for Training (C2SET). C2SET is designed to replace the legacy Air Force Modeling & Simulation Training Toolkit (AFMSTT), providing modernized, scalable, and interoperable simulation tools for Air and Space Operations Center (AOC) personnel and Combatant Commanders' battle staffs. The objective is to deliver high-fidelity, scientific-based modeling and simulation environments that accurately represent USAF and Joint theater-level air and space power capabilities. C2SET is central to the USAF's implementation of LVC integration and the Strategic Plan for Transforming DoD Training.

The C2SET project aims to provide a resilient, tailorable platform for training and mission rehearsal, supporting numerous sites and enabling realistic scenario generation for initial and mission qualification training (IQT & MQT). The system is being developed to ensure compatibility with both current and future AOC weapon system configurations and to integrate with other mission planning systems such as C2CORE and C2IMERA. Funding supports the modernization of scenario generation, mission feedback capabilities, and platform resiliency, enabling support for large-scale exercises worldwide.

Both projects under LVC-OT include studies, analysis, and program management activities to support planning, execution, and future development. The program also funds necessary civilian pay expenses for personnel managing and delivering these capabilities. The budget request reflects adjustments to promote efficiencies and align with government-wide cost-saving initiatives, as directed by Executive Order 14222. The acquisition approach for both ACE-IOS and C2SET is based on incremental, agile development with continuous delivery and open competition, ensuring the USAF can rapidly adapt to changing operational and training requirements.