Training Effectiveness Case Study
Problem
In the past, military network operators were not trained on Theater Network Management Architecture (TNMA), a network monitoring suite used by U.S. Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A) and U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), until they arrived at their duty stations. Most of the individuals were lacking experience on this network monitoring solution, and as a result, network operators sent to Afghanistan had to be trained on TNMA at their job locations, resulting in many weeks of lost time. The trainees were required to be out of work and training for three full days, putting a strain on the remaining network operators who had to make up for the missing individuals. After training, network operators had to apply what they learned from the formal class to their workplace using TNMA, and lacked practical knowledge with the system.
Background
As military network operator units are a part of a Relief in Place/Transfer of Authority (RIP/TOA) process and are not permanently assigned, inexperienced, new units often replace current units who have experience using TNMA. Upon deployment, network operators not only had to familiarize themselves with new surroundings and adjust to new schedules, they also had to be trained.
During the beginning of their deployment, network operators were introduced to TNMA, after which FedTechServices, Inc (FTS) was requested to provide initial classroom training. The entire process resulted in minimized time that network operators were fully able to support the mission through the use of TNMA.
TNMA, designated as "best of breed" architecture, is a technology that has been implemented by both USFOR-A and USCENTCOM. TNMA is a suite of tools that improves situational and operational awareness, as it monitors networks and alerts network operators of intrusions. TNMA, utilizing minimum bandwidth, is the fastest and most efficient way of surveying network status, as it allows for a single and consistent view. TNMA monitors all networking devices, routers and switches as well as the possibility of monitoring servers and desktop computers. In addition to this, TNMA also monitors all unmanned military systems connected to a network.
The newest version of TNMA, TNMA 2.0, is a tactical version of TNMA designed by FedTechServices (FTS) in 2010 and is reverse compatible with TNMA. TNMA 2.0 reports back to USCENTCOM, and expands upon the original TNMA capabilities.
The FTS Solution
FTS was requested to support the Signal Corps Soldiers training mission held at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), located in Tacoma, WA, to provide network operators approximately two weeks of TNMA training.
FTS senior trainers traveled to the JBLM to train the 422nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB) from Nevada, and the 228th Tactical Theater Signal Battalion (TTSB) from South Carolina. The 422nd ESB and the 228th TTSB received two weeks of "real world" training, which consisted of three days of formal classes and five days of one-on-one training in TNMA.
The 228th TTSB received their training in a simulated Joint NetOps Control Center - Afghanistan (JNCC-A) which is set up like the JNCC-A that the network operators will work in, while the 422nd ESB received their training in a simulated RNCC. Within the simulated JNCC-A, the team received realistic scenarios, each of which consisted of a problem that the network operators diagnosed using TNMA tools.
The scenarios went as follows: a device on the network would create an event while the TNMA suite received and then displayed the event. Once the issue is recognized, the network operator uses the suite to pinpoint what is causing the issue (i.e. a down router, a down node or other problems with network connectivity). After notifying their NetOps Battle Captain, the network operators then decide if the problem can be resolved locally, if not, they notify all effected end users of the issue.
Conclusion
Due to FedTechServices' involvement prior to the organization's RIP/TOA, the network operators were sent to their duty locations within Afghanistan with extensive, practical, real-life experience utilizing TNMA 2.0. The training was considered to be extremely effective by the attendees and will enable network operators to use the tools with greater proficiency. Armed with this knowledge, the network operators will be able to begin working at the start of their deployment, which will save a significant amount of time.