Starcom Making Progress in Developing Enhanced Training Infrastructure
The Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) is making significant strides in its Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) initiative, focusing on developing two cutting-edge digital training environments.
The first, named SWARM, is currently being used in readiness exercises such as Space Flag. SWARM is a digital training platform that aims to provide distributed training with realistic adversarial threats and U.S. space systems. In the coming year to two years, SWARM is set to transition from on-premises to a cloud-based system, allowing training across multiple locations [1][2].
The second environment is a more advanced, high-end digital training environment comparable to the Air Force's Joint Simulation Environment. This environment is designed to simulate more complex scenarios and is expected to be several years away from operational use [1].
The development of these initiatives is reflected in the Space Force's fiscal 2026 budget request, which includes $141 million to build out the National Test and Training Complex, encompassing virtual capabilities [2]. Realistic digital training is increasingly a priority for the Space Force to maintain readiness against strategic threats from adversaries like China and Russia [2].
SWARM, set to be ready by the end of the year, will simulate realistic threats for Guardians at different locations, providing tactical-level distributed training integrating simulated red threats and blue systems [1]. Although SWARM is a crucial step forward, the envisioned high-end environment will offer more sophisticated joint and combined space warfighting exercises, integrating live, synthetic, and virtual components [1].
STARCOM's OTTI initiative is progressing with an operational digital training environment (SWARM) in development and partial fielding by 2025-2027, backed by substantial funding. The more complex high-end environment similar to the Joint Simulation Environment remains a longer-term goal [1][2][3].
Orlando, near Patrick Space Force Base, is an international simulation industry hub, with institutions like the National Center for Simulation, the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation, and game makers like EA Sports contributing to the local training expertise. The University of Central Florida also offers a master's degree in interactive entertainment, a closely related field [1].
Maj. Gen. James E. Smith is taking over command at STARCOM from Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Sejba, who is transitioning to a new role in Washington, D.C. The Chief of Space Operations, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, has prioritised STARCOM's OTTI initiative [1].
[1] SpaceNews.com, "Space Force's new training command relocates to Florida", 18th May 2023. [2] SpaceNews.com, "Space Force seeks $141M for National Test and Training Complex", 24th February 2023. [3] SpaceNews.com, "Space Force to hold first Resolute Space exercise", 15th March 2023.
- The Space Force's fiscal 2026 budget request includes funds for the National Test and Training Complex, highlighting the importance of developing advanced technology for aerospace and defense.
- SWARM, a digital training platform being developed by STARCOM's OTTI initiative, will simulate realistic threats for Guardians across multiple locations, integrating simulated red threats and blue systems.
- The highly anticipated high-end digital training environment, comparable to the Air Force's Joint Simulation Environment, will offer more sophisticated joint and combined space warfighting exercises, integrating live, synthetic, and virtual components, once operational.
