During the visit, the NATO team was able to evaluate and test the capabilities and potential of the aero-cooperation school simulator which, thanks to the use of virtual reality, allows the faithful simulation of operational scenarios in which the FACs operate (Forward Air Controllers - Controllers Advanced Aircraft).
The purpose of the visit was to start the NATO accreditation process for the simulator used in the FAC courses for the joint training cycles carried out at the aerocooperation school.
At the conclusion of the visit, in the presence of the Air Division General Roberto Lamanna, commander of the aero-cooperation school, the NATO team expressed its satisfaction with the expressed abilities, the fidelity of the scenarios used and the training potential.
In his speech, General Lamanna called for "the successful conclusion of the NATO accreditation procedure by the end of the year".
The use of the simulator also in the training of FACs is based on the GFT (Game for Training) training concept, now widely adopted also in other operational sectors, such as pilot training and training (using the most well-known flight simulators) . The GFT approach allows a wide and diversified choice of environments and realistic operating conditions and, at the same time, a high cost reduction.
The aero-cooperation school is the military institute for specialized training and technical-operative value in the field of the interpretation of remote sensing images (aerial and satellite) and in that of aeroterrestre and aeronaval cooperation. For the training and qualification of advanced air controllers, the school has recently obtained NATO certification.
The courses held at the aero-cooperation school are open not only to the military personnel of the armed forces, but also to personnel external to the defense administration and to the military personnel of NATO and the countries participating in the international Partnership for Peace program (PfP - Partnership for Peace), subject to authorization by the Defense General Staff.
Source: School of Aerocooperation (Guidonia) - major Antonio Caliandro
