The Development of Technology for Collective Training: SIMNET, a Case History

SIMNET, an acronym for simulator networking, was initiated in 1983 as a project on large-scale simulator networking by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA; Order AO 4739, signed February 15, 1983). It is a proof-of-principle technology demonstration of interactive networking for real-time, person-in-the-loop battle engagement simulation and war-gaming. Intended for military collective training, SIMNET is also adaptable for training or exercising commanders and staffs at higher echelons, usable in the development of military concepts and doctrine, and suitable to the testing and evaluation of alternative weapon system concepts prior to acquisition decisions. This paper summarizes the technical history of SIMNET development and identifies lessons learned that could contribute to the success of future efforts to develop training technologies and systems, especially for collective training. It concludes with a discussion of the implications and challenges of SIMNET for the human factors and training technology communities.