Senior Team Orlando tech leaders explore how XR and AI are transforming MS&T

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

 

The Central Florida Tech Grove hosted the 3rd Annual VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Immersive Technology Summit in Orlando, Florida, April 10.

 

This conference and technology expo for government and business leaders event focused on immersive technologies, and it featured representatives from Team Orlando’s military services on the “How XR and AI is Transforming MS&T DoD Senior Technical Leaders” panel. Participating in the panel were Tyson Griffin, director of research and engineering for Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD); Davis Stargel, Ph.D., technology director for the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS); Marwane Bahbaz, chief technology officer at U.S. Army Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI); and Marine Maj. Michael Ashmore with Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS).

 

The discussion centered on how emerging technologies like extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing military training across the Department of Defense. From creating more immersive, responsive training environments through XR, to leveraging AI for predictive systems and adaptive learning, the panelists highlighted both current capabilities and the future direction of military training technologies.

 

Bahbaz highlighted the Army’s Next-Generation Constructive Simulation, a cornerstone of the Army’s broader effort to modernize its M&S capabilities. These innovations are designed to enhance both training and mission rehearsal, with a particular focus on large-scale, complex operations. He also touched on the ongoing modernization of live training centers, which will integrate cutting-edge technologies into real-world training environments to provide a seamless experience across all types of simulation.

 

“As we move forward, these next-gen systems will not only enhance realism but also allow us to scale training for large, complex operations across multiple domains,” Bahbaz said. “It’s about creating smarter, more adaptive training environments that can better prepare our forces for the challenges of modern warfare.”

 

Griffin spoke to the Navy’s approach to training, which focuses on improving operational readiness through highly realistic training environments. He emphasized the growing role of XR technologies, which are now becoming integral to the Navy’s training strategies.

 

“XR is rapidly gaining traction across the force,” Griffin said. “We’re leveraging XR and AI to bridge the gap between training and real-world performance to develop systems that help warfighters hone sharper decision-making skills in dynamic environments. By making training more immersive and interactive, we can simulate the pressure and unpredictability of actual combat scenarios.”

 

Stargel elaborated on the Air Force’s investments in data-driven training ecosystems. The Air Force is integrating technologies that enable comprehensive analysis of performance metrics, which can then be used to refine tactics, improve skills and influence strategic decision-making.

 

“We’re now designing simulations that not only replicate complex scenarios but also capture rich data streams we can use to refine tactics, track progress and inform strategic decisions,” Stargel said. “This approach allows us to continuously improve our training methods and ensure that the forces are always prepared for the ever-changing landscape of modern warfare.”

 

The panelists agreed that collaboration between military services, industry, and academia is critical for keeping the U.S. at the forefront of defense training innovation. The integration of new technologies represents a necessary shift in training.

 

“AI and XR offer an unprecedented ability to train smarter, faster and more cost-effectively,” Ashmore said. “These technologies enable us to break down traditional barriers and provide highly customized, scalable training experiences that can evolve with the needs of our armed forces.”