September 15, 2017
The Distributed Learning System (DLS) was a key team member for the West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) support of the 2017 National Scout Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve in Mount Hope, West Virginia. From July 13 to 28, DLS provided two Deployed Digital Training Campus (DDTC) systems to the WVARNG. The DDTCs provide a training resource capable of operations in remote areas where communication resources are limited. Each DDTC is equipped with a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) along with 21 general purpose laptop computers, a video teleconference (VTC) system and a Voice over Internet Protocol phone. Using satellite-based wide area network links provides Soldiers a resource to complete training when their unit is operating in an austere environment. This capability met the need for the WVARNG while supporting the National Scout Jamboree.
DLS displayed exceptional flexibility in meeting the WVARNG’s requirement. The DLS team quickly prepared two DDTCs for deployment, arranged shipping and provided continuous support. When the WVARNG arrived at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, DLS was requested to provide rapid onsite assistance due to the unique location and resource constraints. Within three hours of the request, the DLS team had a network engineer on the road to the location to provide the requested assistance. Once onsite, the DLS engineer linked the two DDTCs through a satellite connection to the network, and the unit was able to use the DDTC’s full range of training capabilities.
Over the two week period, over 190 Army National Guard Soldiers and Army civilians completed training on the DDTCs. Training completed include: the Army Threat Awareness and Reporting Program, Military Occupation Specialty skills classes, Pre-deployment classes, the Army Traffic Safety Program Accident Avoidance course, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention and general unit level training. Soldiers also made use of Virtual Battle Space 3, a software installed on all DDTC laptops that allows the unit to develop and implement squad and platoon level training scenarios. Additionally, personnel were able to continue work on college courses and complete general correspondence with the systems.
The DDTC proved to be a valuable training resource for Soldiers and Civilians supporting the 2017 National Scout Jamboree.