Military Training

This testimony on "lessons learned" concerning military training makes several points. Despite the widely held view that today's military is the best trained force in the world, common recurring weaknesses underscore the need for repetitive training if U.S. forces are to fight and win the first battle of the next war with minimal casualties. Although major efforts have been made to address long-standing gaps in joint training, many actions have yet to be completed. Simulation technology offers the potential for better training at lower cost, but the most appropriate mix of simulation and traditional training needs to be further defined. Preserving adequate training is essential but articulating precisely how much is needed is difficult. The training of reserve combat forces poses even greater challenges than those faced by the active forces.