Finding the Right Balance: Simulator and Live Training for Navy Units

The optimal training mix to help the Navy achieve peak readiness at less cost. Abstract text (initials): Can the U.S. Navy save money by increasing its use of simulators without sacrificing readiness? The authors look at the use of simulators in the Air Force, the Marines, and French and British forces to see if the Navy’s current mix of simulator and live training should be changed substantially for the first time since the 1970s. After presenting the data for each service branch and type of simulator, the authors conclude that the Navy must first decide how it wants to measure readiness before an increased use of simulators will yield tangible returns in the form of increased proficiency at lower cost (DS).