The Joint Live Virtual Constructive Data Translator Framework - Interoperability for a Seamless Joint Training Environment

Abstract : US Joint Forces Command's (USJFCOM) Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) program has been tasked by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (OUSD) for Personnel and Readiness (P&R) to develop and integrate a distributed, seamless Joint Training Environment (JTE) consisting of Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training technologies. Currently, LVC assets within the JNTC architecture are integrated through loosely defined protocols, multiple types and instances of protocol translators, and a collection of distributed messaging tools, most of which are either ill-defined, require technical expertise to use, or do not provide the level of interoperability necessary to meet OUSD P&R requirements. The Joint Training and Education Capability Group (JTECG) is studying future LVC integration concepts and tools that will address these limitations and result in more interoperable LVC systems. One such tool, the Joint LVC Data Translator (JLVCDT) Framework, will reduce the number and variety of protocol translators used to support Joint training, will support rapid development and integration of LVC protocols through the use of a scalable software architecture, and will act as a system and software platform for further research and development of a Common LVC Architecture (CLA). The JLVCDT will reuse software and interfaces from existing Service and Joint tools within a more scalable and extensible application infrastructure. The JLVCDT will be easier to configure, deploy, and control than existing tools and will require less technical expertise to operate. It is anticipated that development of the JLVCDT will continue through 2007 resulting in an initial operating capability that can be used to support JNTC events (including multinational partners) by late 2007 to early 2008. This paper will describe the vision for the JLVCDT, the technical approach to developing the JLVCDT, and how the JLVCDT supports the CLA concept.