Virtual DOD training wraps up

Later this month, the Defense Department will finish one of the largest virtual exercises ever with 28,000 U.S. and allied service members participating.

The Combined Joint Task Force Exercise, which will run its final phase from June 11 through June 22, will test the bounds of the Joint National Training Capability (JNTC), which is DOD officials' concept of how joint training will occur. JNTC involves live fire and simulated exercises, training and investing in technologies that will allow military services to work together in a battlefield scenario.

The exercise will present U.S. and multinational forces with realistic and dynamic exercise scenarios that closely replicate operational challenges military forces routinely encounter worldwide, according to a statement issued by Joint Forces Command officials in Norfolk, Va.

The event marks the first JNTC integration event in which training focuses on functional component commands. The exercise was designed to provide realistic training to prepare U.S. forces for joint and combined operations.

The forces will train using equipment and systems that incorporate the latest technology and support the full range of capabilities that may be required in various geographic theaters.

"This exercise provides all participants with invaluable experience in joint and coalition operations, and I'm especially impressed with the innovation and technical acumen that is enabling this JNTC event," said Navy Vice Adm. Gary Roughead, commander of the U.S. Second Fleet and Striking Fleet Atlantic. "Achieving and maintaining a more agile, responsive and connected force means we must train efficiently and effectively."

Live forces will conduct the joint training exercise throughout the southeastern United States and along the Atlantic Seaboard, while virtual participants will join the exercise from 20 sites nationwide.

Forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Peru, Norway, Italy, Denmark and France will be participating in the exercise.