The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), as the nation’s largest employer, oversees a vast workforce comprising over 2.1 million military service members and approximately 770,000 civilian employees. This extensive human resource base positions the DoD as one of the most significant training organizations globally, responsible for equipping its personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern defense.

A 2024 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, titled “Adult Learning in the Military Context,” explores the unique educational challenges and opportunities within this massive organization. Leaning on decades of research, the report asserts that “…well-established principles of multimedia instructional design, experiential learning through simulations, adaptive instruction, and technology-supported self-directed learning can greatly enhance learning outcomes—and at scale” (p4).

 

Key Findings

Simulators Create Personalized Training
The National Academies’ report emphasizes the critical need for personalized and adaptive learning strategies to effectively address the varied backgrounds, ages, and experiences of military personnel (p3). MILO simulators play a pivotal role in accommodating unlimited learning profiles through individualized content and scenario adaptation as learners develop their capabilities.

Technology Should Not Stand Alone
Emphasizing that while technology can enhance learning, the report clarifies that its effectiveness is contingent upon the quality of the content and its alignment with instructional objectives (p. 199). At MILO, we share this perspective, prioritizing instructor-led training over technology-driven approaches. Our content is developed in collaboration with our elite Cognitive Advisory Board, ensuring that instructors are equipped to deliver high-quality, evidence-based training experiences.

Feedback is Critical
Researchers at the Academy emphasized the importance of feedback in effective training, stating, “Technology can also facilitate feedback delivery, which is an essential component of deliberate practice. Simulations offer a controlled environment for study that enables the easy collection of process and outcome data as well as video captures of performance” (p. 202). Aligning with this insight, MILO’s Trainee Action Capture (TAC) system enables instructors to conduct comprehensive After Action Reviews (AARs). This feature records trainees’ actions and displays them in high-definition picture-in-picture format, allowing for detailed performance analysis and facilitating targeted feedback to enhance learning outcomes.

Real-World Fidelity Matters
The report highlights the value of simulations in providing varied training conditions, stating that they “allow the conditions of a situation, such as the weather conditions, to be varied, again enabling a more efficient approach to deliberate practice than could be achieved in real-world conditions” (p. 202). MILO training systems not only enable users to adjust environmental factors like weather but also incorporate sensory elements that replicate the realities of combat. This comprehensive approach ensures that military personnel can “train as they fight,” experiencing realistic scenarios that enhance preparedness and operational effectiveness.

Take Caution with Shiny New Technology
The committee advised caution against over-investing in “bells and whistles” at the expense of effective simulation pedagogy, noting that such an approach can result in a poor return on investment (p203). At MILO, we prioritize the development of features based on robust instructional methodologies that leverage technology as a tool to enhance, rather than overshadow, the instructional experience.

Embed Learning Theory
Strengthening the connection between technology and the application of advanced learning theory, the report states the need for “…simulators’ ability to support learning outcomes lies not only in their technological sophistication but in their effective facilitation of learning principles, such as those embodied in the theories of experiential learning and deliberate practice” (p203-204). To further support this, MILO provides comprehensive instructor guides and best practice materials at no cost to our customers, empowering military instructors to effectively integrate advanced learning theories into their simulator training programs.

Integrate Emerging Technologies
The report emphasizes the importance of integrating advanced learning technologies to enhance educational outcomes, highlighting that tools such as generative AI can significantly improve training by enabling scalable, personalized learning experiences (p215). At MILO, we are committed to incorporating these emerging technologies into our training solutions, like our Generative AI conversational experiences in MILO’s Military Virtual Reality (VR) and Focus 3D solutions. This integration ensures that military personnel in law enforcement and intelligence units are highly prepared for investigations and de-escalation tactics.

Go Beyond Shoot/No-Shoot
The committee shared an enthusiastic mention of efforts towards a more holistic skillset, stating: “One exciting development is the attempt to develop performance measures for soft 21st-century skills, such as communication, collaboration, and creativity…” (p271) Recent research underscores the pivotal role of MILO’s simulation training in fostering creative thinking among law enforcement officers. A study titled “The Effects of Simulator Training on the Development of Creative Thinking in Law Enforcement Officers” explored how simulation-based training can enhance officers’ ability to devise innovative solutions during crisis situations. By engaging officers in immersive scenarios that replicate real-world challenges, MILO’s simulators encourage the application of novel strategies and adaptive thinking, essential for effective decision-making in dynamic environments.

MILO is Committed to The Advancement of Military Training

At MILO, we recognize and embrace these insights, dedicating ourselves to developing innovative training solutions that align with the evolving needs of military agencies worldwide. Our immersive simulation systems are meticulously designed to prepare military personnel for the complexities of real-world scenarios, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and judgment to perform effectively.

MILO stays at the forefront of emerging learning technologies by integrating advanced features into our training systems. Our military solutions include field-ready portable simulators, immersive 360° virtual environments, shoothouses, live-fire systems, and real-time mission feedback and analysis, all aimed at enhancing the learning experience and addressing the unique challenges of military education.

A Mission-Critical Call to Action
The insights from the “Adult Learning in the Military Context” report underscore the importance of tailored, motivating, and technologically advanced training solutions. MILO remains dedicated to providing such solutions, supporting military agencies in the U.S. and allied countries worldwide. We invite military educators, trainers, and decision-makers to explore how MILO’s innovative training systems can enhance the learning experiences of their personnel, ensuring they are prepared to meet the demands of today’s complex operational environments.

For more information on how MILO can support your training objectives, please visit our website or contact our team to discuss customized solutions tailored to your mission.