BY MARC MONTGOMERY

Recruitment in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is down. This is a well-known fact. Another well known fact is that the younger generation of recruits have grown up in the digital world with cellphones in their hands. To be frank, they are not well-suited to – nor are they interested in – legacy training methods. Instead, they are drawn to newer technologies such as situational gaming scenarios, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).

Published in 2015, the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Future Naval Training Strategy (FnTS) noted that “a large portion of military training and education was “delivered in a linear, residential fashion – usually in a school or onboard a ship.” It argued that training needed to “transform into a 21st century, integrated system that leverages technology and modern learning methodologies.”

In the foreword, then Commander of the RCN, VAdm Mark Norman, indicated that moving into the future, “the RCN’s training system will require agility and fl exibility to continue to support the generation of operational excellence.” Adding that “training plays a key role in inculcating new recruits into the naval culture,” and also wrote of the “need to ensure we achieve these goals economically and efficiently.”

TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED LEARNING

Headquartered in Victoria, BC, RaceRocks is at the forefront of high-tech training solutions for the military. Their training platforms utilize immersive solutions (VR, AR, XR) so that personnel are well-prepared and familiar with the environment, controls, and potential emergencies, prior to actual assignments. Compared to legacy training, these modernized training methods save time, money, and physical asset use.

Founded in 2010, RaceRocks began a close collaboration with the RCN Fleet Diving Unit to develop modern training aids. They did this by digitizing aspects of legacy training and enhancing it using knowledge and technology from Hollywood – involving visual effects and modelling. F

rom that beginning, the company has continued to advance its technology to help achieve the RCN’s new directives for modernization and the streamlining of training to entice and retain new and younger recruits.

By the time that 2015 document was released, RaceRocks was already ahead of the game in providing advanced training technologies and data analysis to the RCN. These initiatives also help support the recent “one Navy” concept and the revamped Naval Personnel and Training Group (NPTG) goals.

RaceRocks’ advanced technology also meshes with another new program, the Naval Experience Program (NEP) which is designed to encourage young recruits.

As we know, recruitment has been an ongoing issue with the CAF and young recruits today are very familiar with the kind of technology that RaceRocks provides. Learning via these new immersive technologies is far more attractive and engaging than legacy methods and enhances a recruit’s initial experience with the CAF in a cost effective and effi cient manner. “Data shows recruit interest and involvement with the technology and scenarios is such that in many cases they have gone in after hours using the technology to practice and improve their skills on their own initiative,” says Anita Pawluk, President and CEO of RaceRocks.

ADAPTIVE TRAINING PLATFORM

In developing their adaptive learning platform, RaceRocks chose the name ADENINE, one of the four ‘building blocks’ of DNA. The concept evoked is that their modular platform is easily built upon in order to adapt to ongoing needs. This could be from analysis of performance and use of data, feedback from students and/or changing military needs.

Employing AI and ML (machine learning), the platform tailors itself to an individual’s speed and skill, by analyzing performance during training. It enables a personalized training path as opposed to a “one size fits all” approach and determines if there are skill gaps or bottlenecks in the individual’s training, or the training program. The data captured also helps to inform decisionmakers on making more targeted and effective training plans and more efficient allocation of resources.

FUTURE PROOF

One the core values at RaceRocks is to maintain a close and collaborative relationship with clients to ensure they receive the best possible training outcomes. However, they also want their clients to be self sufficient and able to make adjustments to the training system when and if required. Pawluk points out that their modular systems and technology were specifically designed to be future proof. They can be easily updated and modified to incorporate new technologies and techniques that are in line with developments in defence technology and training needs.

“We believe immersive training has many benefi ts and provides the learner with a greater chance of success, and that’s why we want to increase the delivery and use of immersive training within the Canadian Armed Forces” says Pawluk. “RaceRocks is constantly reviewing and testing the learning outcomes to ensure we are not missing the mark.”

While RaceRocks has been primarily collaborating with the RCN, Pawluk points out that the technology can be very easily adapted to meet the training needs of other branches of service. This includes the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Canadian Army. While the scenarios and equipment are vastly different for each branch of the CAF, the process of working with subject matter experts to ensure the technology is properly equipped, is not. Thus, RaceRocks can easily develop programs for these services.

INDIGENOUS OWNED

A Certified Indigenous Business, RaceRocks recently secured an investment from Raven Capital – North America’s premier Indigenous venture capital fund. This $3 million investment will help support the rapid growth of opportunities in the defence and aerospace sectors. “Our commitment extends to the expansion of our operations in Halifax, coupled with strategic investments in product development and cutting-edge technology,” said Pawluk.

This investment builds on DND’s Indigenous Procurement Strategy which has set a target to have at least 5% of federal contracts awarded to businesses managed and led by Indigenous Peoples. The 5% target has been welcomed by Indigenousowned companies such as RaceRocks. “It’s important because it is a way to take a major step toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” said Pawluk. “Policies like the 5% set-aside for Indigenous businesses have created the right set of circumstances for the CAF to engage in meaningful reconciliation as the defence industry, Indigenous business and the military work together to achieve the goals of this policy.”

Marc Montgomery is a Regular CDR Contributor