[PDF][PDF] Game-based Simulation for Philippine Post-Typhoon Stability Operations Training

M Zielke, D Zakhidov, G Hardee… - … Training Simulation and …, 2014 - utdallas.edu
M Zielke, D Zakhidov, G Hardee, M Kaiser
Interservice/Industry Training Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), 2014utdallas.edu
This paper discusses the use of The First Person Cultural Trainer (FPCT) platform to develop
pre-deployment stability operations training scenarios for typhoons in the Philippines and
other natural disasters which require Army humanitarian missions. The FPCT platform,
sponsored by TRADOC G2 Intelligence Support Activity, is a composable game-based
simulation system capable of representing the cognitive complexity of non-kinetic population
engagement in zones affected by natural disasters. The platform utilizes a PMESII (Political …
Abstract
This paper discusses the use of The First Person Cultural Trainer (FPCT) platform to develop pre-deployment stability operations training scenarios for typhoons in the Philippines and other natural disasters which require Army humanitarian missions. The FPCT platform, sponsored by TRADOC G2 Intelligence Support Activity, is a composable game-based simulation system capable of representing the cognitive complexity of non-kinetic population engagement in zones affected by natural disasters. The platform utilizes a PMESII (Political, Military, Economic, Social, Infrastructure, and Information Systems) model as the design framework for modular and interconnected training scenarios--engaging users in cultural and communications decision-making for specific geographic regions and cultures. Within FPCT game simulations, players must communicate with game characters in a culturally appropriate manner to achieve stability post natural disaster, create alliances and ensure balance and stability between conflicting cultural and political groups. Using the FPCT platform, FPCT Philippines was created--inspired by events that followed Typhoon Bopha which occurred in December 2012. At the time of the storm, Bopha was the costliest and most severe typhoon to ever hit the Philippines. However, in November 2013, less than a year after the creation of FPCT Philippines, Typhoon Haiyan also hit the region, and was magnitudes greater in severity and aftermath. This paper explores the construct of the original FPCT Philippines model and potential enhancements necessary to accommodate scenarios for Typhoon Haiyan–thereby analyzing the overall use and flexibility of the FPCT platform for pre-deployment training of stability operations in an environment of uncertainty and the usefulness of game-based simulations to train for humanitarian missions using the PMESII model.
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