Wargaming and Simulation Centers

The Wargaming and Simulation Centers program, identified as PE 0207605F in the Air Force Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is designed to enhance the operational readiness of Air Force, joint service, and coalition warfighters through advanced simulation and training capabilities. The primary objective of this program is to provide comprehensive Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) simulation environments that support Joint All-Domain Command & Control (JADC2) operations across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. These efforts enable theater-level, full-spectrum combat training and mission rehearsal, ensuring that personnel are prepared for complex, multi-domain conflicts.

A central component of this program is the Distributed Mission Operations Center (DMOC), which serves as the hub for developing and integrating simulation scenarios, models, and databases. The DMOC connects geographically separated LVC locations across multiple time zones, incorporating real-world weapon systems, operator-in-the-loop simulations, and computer-driven models. It is responsible for integrating participating sites into major training events such as Virtual Flag and Virtual Flag: Coalition, leveraging a variety of network connections and interoperability tools to support Air Force, joint, and coalition training objectives.

The DMOC Capability/Battlespace Systems Development line item focuses on upgrading and enhancing simulation systems, tools, and simulators to incorporate emerging technologies and evolving training requirements. This includes the development of environment generators in partnership with other military divisions and the creation of new tools for improved mission debriefs. Additional objectives include enhancing tactical datalink interoperability, improving intelligence and battle damage assessment models, and integrating contested and degraded operations scenarios into training events.

Another key objective is Assessment & Authorization (A&A)/Software Certification, which ensures that all simulation systems meet rigorous cybersecurity and software certification standards. The DMOC supports the definition and integration of cybersecurity requirements, applies the Risk Management Framework (RMF), and conducts continuous monitoring. This includes the development and testing of cross-domain and multi-national information sharing rulesets, as well as the certification of new and updated simulation tools in collaboration with the Air Force Network Integration Center.

The Distributed Training Sites & Systems Integration effort is tasked with resolving interoperability issues among numerous systems and integrating new sites into LVC DMO events each year. This integration is driven by emerging requirements from higher headquarters and Combatant Commanders, ensuring that the training environment remains current and relevant. The program also supports the incorporation of new technologies and systems as they become available, maintaining the flexibility and scalability of the training network.

The Joint Training Center (JTC) initiative adds further capability by scaling up the Joint Simulation Environment and increasing operational training capacity at Elmendorf Air Force Base. This supports fifth-generation operational readiness and is considered an expansion of existing capabilities to address evolving training needs. The JTC enables the Air Force to conduct more realistic and integrated training exercises, supporting both current and future operational concepts.

The Wargaming and Simulation Centers program is structured under Budget Activity 7, Operational Systems Development, reflecting its focus on upgrading and integrating systems that have already been fielded or approved for full-rate production. The program utilizes a combination of firm-fixed-price contracts and Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests to manage the acquisition, development, and integration of new tools and systems. By continuously evolving its modeling and simulation capabilities, the program aims to provide effective and realistic training, directly supporting warfighter readiness and operational effectiveness.