MASS supports UK JFAC HQ training exercise

Ex GF 18 was aimed at training the standing UK JFAC HQ core and augmented staff in Air Command and Control (C2) to help meet the full spectrum of tasks resulting from a changing defence landscape.

The exercise was also shaped to help prepare the HQ for potential missions in support of UK and coalition operational and training commitments as part of an integrated UK Joint Task Force. While primarily focusing at the Operational level of Air C2, the exercise was ably supported by elements of Land and Maritime HQ staffs who provided the vital cross-Component interfaces. 

At the JFAC HQ’s request, MASS provided simulation support to the exercise to help achieve the required level of realism to support the training audience.  Key to exercise delivery was the MASS/JWST-provided simulation system which incorporated full details of the Joint force elements participating in the exercise to offer a realistic, scalable, pan-component representation of Joint operations. The system stimulates the “player” operational CIS to allow the Training Audience to ‘train as they fight’ and also allows EXCON to gently ‘steer’ the exercise to meet the relevant Training Objectives. Initial feedback from the JFAC has been extremely positive.

Steve Townsend, Head of Training Support Group at MASS commented: “MASS has been supporting JFAC HQ since 2001 and we are delighted to once again facilitate an important JFAC HQ training event and help provide a realistic exercise solution for UK Defence, initial feedback from the JFAC on Ex GF 18 has been extremely positive. It’s fitting that the event took place in the centenary year of the RAF.

During the exercise the JFAC HQ reverberated with commands and directions, some of which would have been familiar with airmen over the past 100 years, as aircraft were vectored to engage contemporary threats and challenges. Through innovative, advanced training and simulation, air forces can ensure they address new and ever more demanding threats.”