Keesler partners with Vandenberg to build missile maintenance trainer Published May 11, 2011 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Training Support Squadron's Simware section is partnering with the 532nd Training Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., to build the Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile Maintenance Virtual Trainer. The importance of this training system can't be overstated as acquisition of the IMVT is the No. 1 nuclear training priority for Air Education and Training Command's nuclear task force, according to Ronald Washburn, 81st TRSS Simware development section chief. "There are two reasons for this priority," Mr. Washburn explained. "IMVT addresses certain training shortcomings by providing critical training instruction Vandenberg's missile maintenance officer course. It builds upon course fundamentals by introducing comprehensive maintenance generation scenarios to ensure graduates comprehend ICBM maintenance capabilities in relation to combatant commander requirements and national security strategy." "Our mission at the 532nd Training Squadron is to graduate the highest quality missile maintainers in the world," said Lt. Col. Suzet Schreier, commander. "The quality of the training we provide is increased significantly by adding this simulation technology to our curriculum. It not only brings our training environment from the 20th to the 21st Century -- it is flexible. It allows us to expand and enhance the simulation possibilities for our students as our curriculum changes and evolves to meet the growing needs of the Air Force." Development of the trainer is taking place over a 2½-year period at a cost of just over $800,000, significantly less than the $3.6 million that had been earmarked for construction by a contractor. Final delivery to the 532nd TRS is set for late 2012. However, in an effort to provide initial training capabilities as soon as possible, the 81st TRSS Simware team and trainer development flight have been working closely with Vandenberg subject matter experts to install a voice over Internet protocol telephone system, intercom system, computer network, computers, monitors, simulated radio, digital clocks and initial simulator system capabilities. "There was no contractual requirement to install this equipment until 2012, but the IMVT team realized that training could be immediately impacted in a very positive way with a little more work, so it was an easy decision to make," Mr. Washburn pointed out. "There is much more work to be accomplished, but the partnership between Keesler and Vandenberg is strong. Working together, mission success will be achieved." Vandenberg instructors are very pleased with this new training capability and are using this new technology for their next class. "IMVT not only provides a world-class training resource for the nuclear enterprise today, it also utilizes an approach to training that ICBM wings can use in the future to support supplemental and advanced training needs for demanding maintenance scenarios," said Col. Michael Lutton, 381st Training Group commander. "The nuclear maintenance business is a no-failure business like all nuclear areas. IMVT now provides a full-spectrum simulation capability for our maintainers."