Military Training: Cost-Effective Development of Simulations Presents Significant Challenges

Highlights

GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) development of the Joint Simulation System (JSIMS), focusing on whether DOD: (1) is progressing with its development of JSIMS; and (2) decisions to improve the Aggregate Level Simulation Protocol (ALSP) Confederation are cost-effective.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected	Recommendation	Status
Department of Defense	To help ensure the total development of JSIMS, the Secretary of Defense should establish a joint funding line for the core development of JSIMS and direct the Secretaries of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force to establish funding lines for their respective executive agency JSIMS responsibilities regarding warfare function development.	Closed – Not Implemented DOD did not agree that each agency needed to develop a separate funding line. As of September 8, 1997, DOD had not taken any action on this recommendation.
Department of Defense	The Secretary of Defense should require the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Technology to assume a stronger management role to resolve simulation issues by defining JSIMS and developing a definitive plan of action.	Closed – Implemented DOD agreed with the recommendation and indicated its intent to develop an action plan. However, as of September 8, 1997, no action had been initiated.
Department of Defense	The Secretary of Defense should require the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Technology to assume a stronger management role to resolve simulation issues by developing a transition strategy to phase out the ALSP and phase in JSIMS. This strategy should be based upon cost estimates associated with modifying, expanding, and testing the ALSP Confederation to decide which improvements to the ALSP Confederation provide benefits that are cost-effective.	Closed – Not Implemented DOD has not initiated action.

Full Report

Full Report (23 pages)

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National Defense

Combat readinessComputer assisted instructionComputer network protocolsCost effectiveness analysisDefense contingency planningDefense cost controlElectronic warfareMilitary trainingSystems conversionsMilitary readiness