Training tech gives instructors an edge

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Today's technical training students have a wealth of tools and knowledge at their disposal to help them become highly trained Airman, courtesy of the 982nd Maintenance Squadrons training support flight.

"We're here to help them enhance their training presentation by making their presentation come alive," said Kyle Russell, chief of the technology training support flight with the 982nd MXS. "We look to help solve training deficiencies and simplify difficult problems."

The 982nd MXS has two flights to aid instructors with classroom instruction, a "hard" and "soft" side. The hard side creates or procures replicas of anything a technical training student could need in the classroom. The soft side produces detailed computer animations and simulations, ranging from the previously mentioned cockpit to a working fuel valve.

When it comes to computer programs, the members of the training support flight said they could reproduce anything as long as a subject matter expert was provided and an idea was formed. When first tasked with a project, flight personnel will search for an existing program whether at Sheppard or somewhere within the Department of Defense, if such a program can't be found, they'll search commercial products. But the 982nd MXS has the skilled individuals needed to produce programs and aids, whether from scratch or from a pre-existing program.

"We can make up for equipment deficiencies. If you don't have an F-16 to work with we can put one together for you in the computer," said Dr. Ron Brown, chief of technology integration and media analysis with the 982nd MXS. "In fact, we've done that."

"If it has to do with training on this base we have something (already created) in that field," Mr. Russell said.

The 982nd MXS TSF members said their services accomplish a number of things with training at Sheppard. Their services can reduce attrition and back-wash rates among students, increase test scores, decrease time and errors in training and save resources.

Creating detailed replicas of aircraft and equipment is no simple task. Illustrators and programmers sometimes require up to four computer monitors to track and view their work. In addition to the actual programming side of it, the 982nd MXS TSF works closely with subject matter experts to create the training tools desired.

"Understanding their vision is the hardest part," Dr. Brown said of knowing what instructors want. "Development time on any project can be greatly reduced if they have a complete vision."

The 982nd MXS TSF members are willing to work with any instructor in creating a training aid but require a training plan to begin work. For assistance please contact them at 676-4317.