TOPICS & CATEGORIES
Courtesy of FLETC Journal
How does a training branch find time to research, build and test a solution while maintaining their primary function of instruction? To answer that question look no further than the Training Innovation Division (TID). When the Behavioral Science Division (BSD) wanted to pursue using technology to allow students more time to practice their interviewing skills, they asked the TID about potential options. The TID in turn involved the FLETC Orlando Office, and less than a year later the potential solution in the form of a prototype was already at FLETC Glynco. Resources, such as instructor time, can be very limited in the training division.
The FLETC ABIS simulation is programmed to show physical distress
adding realism to the interview. Students must respond accordingly with
empathy and appropriate questions. Here an instructor runs and monitors the software program while students perform the interview. (FLETC photo)
The TID will assist with exploring solutions, determining which option best meets the FLETC’s needs and carrying the recommended solution into the implementation and testing phases. Using the resources in the TID to help solve training issues reduces the workload on the training divisions, thus allowing instructors the opportunity to concentrate more on their primary responsibilities. The acquisition of the prototype ABIS is an outstanding example of how the process works. The BSD approached the TID early in 2009 about using an interview simulator.
After initial discussions, management and instructors of the BSD were invited to meet with the FLETC Orlando team. Leveraging the partnership with various DoD divisions, the TID scheduled demonstrations of interviewing technology for the BSD to evaluate. When the evaluation ended, and the BSD had chosen a technology that would best suit their needs, the TID began the process needed to bring the technology to the FLETC. These processes included coordination with the FLETC Chief Information Officer (CIO) Directorate and the U. S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI). Working with the branches within the FLETC CIO Directorate ensured the proper information technology (IT) requirements were gathered for the statement of work and to meet the requirements for bringing the technology to the FLETC.
The completed statement of work and funding were then provided to the PEO STRI office allowing the FLETC to use an Army contract already in place. A prototype interview simulator, with one witness scenario, was delivered in less than a year from the initial idea discussion phase between the BSD and the TID. Technical support for the simulator during the resting phase is being provided by the TID in conjunction with PEO STRI contractors. The BSD continues to test the system with volunteers and provides the feedback to the TID and the simulator development team in Orlando. The information gathered during the testing phase will be used to enhance and prepare the system for implementation.
Providing support throughout the entire development of a project is a TID priority. Our goal is to assist the training community in bringing ideas into existence and to assist with all of the requirements to make this happen. The TID has the resources to air the training community. The people and technology of FLETC TID, together, can turn ideas into reality.
For Inquiries about the ABIS please contact us at: fletc-teamorlando@dhs.gov
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