System Administrator/Simulations Operator

The Simulation Operator role for the CFFT III and VBS3 systems involve setting up, running, and managing simulations to provide realistic military training in a controlled, virtual environment. The operator of these systems is responsible for supporting individual and collective training, conducting capability demonstrations, and assisting with new software version testing.

The Simulation Operator is responsible for a full spectrum of comprehensive training support, which includes but is not limited to Hands-on exercises: Practical training where students use equipment or systems; and Practical exercises: Field or scenario-based training to apply learned skills. The Simulation Operator will support training for students attending the schools in person ("resident"). The Simulation Operator will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), incorporating the following into training: Simulations: Virtual scenarios that mimic real-world conditions; Models: Simplified representations of systems or environments; and Mission command systems: Technology used for commanding and controlling forces. The Simulation Operator will Provide program development support and assist instructors to revise training materials to fix issues found during simulation exercises. These materials include: Programs of Instruction (POIs): The formal curricula for courses; Lesson Plans: Detailed guides for instructors; and Training Support Packages (TSPs): Complete sets of resources needed for a training event.

This position is contingent upon award of contract to NATECH

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Before a training exercise: 

• Scenario Development: Using the mission editor and other tools to create realistic training scenarios that meet specific training objectives. 
• System Configuration: Placing entities like vehicles, weapons, and characters into the virtual battlespace and configuring the system's environmental options, such as time, date, weather, and sea states. 
• Network Setup: Ensuring that the networked system is correctly configured for multiplayer, distributed exercises, allowing trainees to connect from remote locations if necessary. 

During a training exercise: 

• Mission Execution: Launching the scenario and managing it in real-time, observing the trainees' actions from any viewpoint, and controlling Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven characters as needed. 
• Role-Playing: Assuming the role of various entities within the simulation to increase realism and challenge for the trainees (Close Air Support, Army Attack Aviation, Naval Surface Fires (NSF), Battalion and Company Commanders, Platoon and Squad leaders, Fire Support Officer and NCO, Fire Direction Center for artillery and mortar fires, Intel Assets, Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), Forward Air Controller (FAC)).
• Interoperability: Operating the system in a "combined/interoperable" mode, where VBS3 training exercises are integrated with other simulation tools to meet more complex training objectives. 
• Live Adjustments: Modifying the scenario in real-time based on trainee performance to apply pressure or adapt the training. 

After a training exercise: 

• Provide and Collect Critique Sheets: Provide instructors the critique sheets and collect the completed critique sheets from the instructors after the training event has concluded. 
• Data Capture of system usage in both Training Support-Materiel Army-wide Tracking System (TS-MATS) and the FCOE SharePoint 

Other duties: 

• System Maintenance and Testing: Performing routine system checks, ensuring all software and hardware are functioning correctly, and testing new software versions. 
• Support and Instruction: Support capability demonstrations and provide instructions to soldiers on how to effectively use the simulation systems. 

System Administrator tasks: 

• Maintain, monitor, conduct weekly back ups, update, and recover the Advanced Simulation Technology Inc. (ASTi) Tactical Radio Simulator Telestra Server, associated network, communication scenario data files, and devices to include SME radio sets, loudspeakers, Push to Talk Pads, headsets, common military hand-held microphones, and remote Interface Units. 
• Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations. Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, and other system problems. Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to protect data, software, and hardware. Monitor the performance and maintain computer systems, applicable networks, and coordinate computer access and use. (Refer to Appendix A for applicable systems) Install, configure, and test computer hardware, software and operating systems. Monitor performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future. Backup systems weekly and provide technical/troubleshooting support during virtual simulation exercises. Any unresolved issues shall be reported to the MSC Government System Administrator. 
• Install new software releases, updates, and security patches as required by the MSC Government System Administrator or PEO-STRI, Project Manager Instrumentation, Targets and Threat Simulators, and SOF Training Systems (PM-ITTS). 
• Report System faults and failures that cannot be resolved at the operator/ database manager level to the COR. 

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• A bachelor’s degree, any discipline. Seven years (7) military experience in Fire Support operations and planning preferred. 
• Minimum one year (1) experience supporting training exercise operating the CFFT III. One or more years operating/maintaining an Immersive CFFT III system (AFSM, UTM, and CASM). 
• Three (3) years hands on experience working with local and wide area networks (LAN/WAN), linking virtual simulations. 
• Three (3) years of experience maintaining immersive simulations (CFFT2+, CFFT III) including system integration, network administration, consulting, analyzing, designing, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications, hardware, telecommunications, or network infrastructure equipment. 
• Security Plus certified and have passed the Computing technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Security+ or equivalent certification exam within ninety (90) days. 
• Minimum one year (1) experience supporting training exercise operating the VBS3. 
• One (1) year experience in VBS3 database administration and in database design and maintenance.