WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Rep. John L. Mica announced today that Congress has approved a defense package which includes $10.1 million to strengthen and expand the high-tech simulation industry in Central Florida.
"These funds will continue to strengthen Central Florida’s position as the national center for simulation and training activities," Mica said. "Congress recognizes the merits of using this cost-effective technology, especially with the ongoing war on terrorism and potential action against Iraq."
A House-Senate agreement on the FY 2003 Defense Appropriations Act is expected to pass today. The bill includes $5 million for modeling and simulation activity through the Pentagon’s Live Fire Testing and Training Initiative (LFT&TI), $2 million for an Internet-based program called Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), and $3.1 million for a combat aircraft training device.
Initiated by Mica in 1996, the LFT&TI is a collaborative effort between the four military simulation agencies, private industry and the University of Central Florida. The program applies simulation technologies to actual training exercises, and has resulted in new advances such as the Human Live Patient Simulator which is now being used to train military and civilian doctors. The LFT&TI has now received a total of $33 million from the federal government.
Congress also supported Mica’s request to develop the ADL program, which combines simulation and Internet technology for education and training purposes. Soldiers and sailors, regardless of where they are stationed, will be able to access interactive instructional and cost-savings since military personnel who have access to the Internet will not need to physically travel to specific training and educational facilities. A total of $6.5 million has now been provided to support the ADL initiative.
Winter Park defense contractor Electronic Warfare Associates (EWA) will also receive $3.1 million to help complete the EA-6B Ready Room Mission Rehearsal Trainer, which is a simulations trainer for a combat plane. Because of its radar and communications jamming capabilities, the EA-6B Prowler has been a critical asset in recent U.S. military actions and will be vital in future battlefields. The simulations device will be used to help train flight crews and maintain combat readiness.
"Continuing these successful programs and expanding the use of cost-effective simulations will help anchor our community in this high-tech industry," Mica continued.
The Senate is also expected to pass the defense measure, which will then be sent to the President to be signed into law.