CHESAPEAKE -- When it comes to preparing for combat, nothing can replace hands-on training. Modeling and simulation can get close.
Homeland security and military defense are some of the applied research areas at the ODU Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center in Suffolk. The 50 faculty members and research scientists can create virtual worlds for training - like landing an airplane at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
"Modeling and simulation has been shown to be able to save money, use resources more efficiently and you can do things and other activities rather than real life, you save substantial sums of money," notes Rep. Bobby Scott (D-3rd D).
Scott and Rep. Randy Forbes (R-4th D) led Monday's Modeling and Simulation Leadership Summit in Chesapeake.
Modeling and simulation was recognized last month by US Joint Forces Command commanding general Ray Odierno as an essential mission which must continue once JFCOM is closed.
"It is the component that trains all of our forces and makes sure that we can operate in a joint environment. Secondly, we can't do all the testing we need without modeling and simulation," stated Forbes.
Rep. Forbes is chairman of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus. He's calling for the creation of a modeling and simulation American Response Center that could test responses and prepare the country for future crises before they occur.
