NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Military officials say they're putting commanders to the test with new computer software.
During a recent training operation in Virginia and North Carolina, observers in a Virginia Navy command center saw twice as many U.S. forces approaching a beach than were actually there. That allowed for a more intense exercise without the costs of moving real ships and Marines.
Rear Adm. Terry Kraft is the commander of Navy Warfare Development Command. He says this kind of simulated training is important as officials deal with a tight budget.
The Pentagon is dealing with a reduction in projected defense spending of $487 billion over 10 years. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has said the administration will ask Congress for $525 billion to run the Pentagon in 2013 — $6 billion less than the current budget.
