Air Force Modeling and Simulation 2017 Award Winners Announced Published Jan. 25, 2019 By Moe Bradley AFAMS AFAMS Communications Office, Orlando, FL -- Orlando, Florida – Major General Scott F. Smith, Headquarters Air Force, Director of Training and Readiness, announced the 2017 winners of the annual Air Force Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Awards. The Air Force M&S Awards recognizes the contributions of Air Force M&S personnel in direct support of the warfighter. The Air Force Selection Board evaluated nine nomination packages and selected the outstanding winners from four functional awards categories including Acquisition, Cross-Functional, Test and Evaluation/Experimentation, and Training. The CY 2017 Air Force M&S Awards winners include: Air Force M&S Acquisition Award – Dr. George Boyarko Dr. Boyarko's efforts leading the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) physics-based M&S efforts underpin the development of the Space Enterprise Vision & multiple Analyses of Alternatives (AoAs). His efforts influenced multi-billion dollar investments to ensure the nation's critical space capabilities are available to our warfighters in all other domains. He increased the quality, military worth, and supportability of fielded systems while reducing the total ownership cost throughout the total life cycle by vetting concepts before working prototypes were fielded and tested, reduced manufacturers' operational requirements, and slashed design and development costs while still ensuring acceptable levels of performance. His efforts enabled integrated product and process development across the entire acquisition lifecycle and/or increased affordability of Live, Virtual and Constructive Modeling and Simulation (LVC M&S) use within the acquisition process by validating contractor designs and Concept of Operations (CONOPS) in multiple operational scenarios and sharing M&S tools/results, thus identifying potential reductions in both the cost of individual systems and the quantities required. Finally, he was paramount in implementing an integrated LVC capability formulating a novel use of models for developing innovative tactics to be implemented and validated within National Space Defense Center training exercises and furthering future transition into AF Weapon School Curriculum. Air Force M&S Cross-Functional Award – HQ AFSPC OSC/DSC Orbital Engagement Analysis Team Peterson AFB, Colorado During the award period, the Orbital Engagement Analysis Team’s imaginative approach resulted in the development of the first ever models supporting offensive space control (OSC) and defense space control (DSC) mission areas utilizing a physics-based M&S framework and executing analysis to support requirements generation, force structure, and concept of operations development. They further enhanced space warfighting capability by creating a competition-based structure flying tactical ideas by space operators, and developing the first ever tactics play book for spacecraft based on lessons learned and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) from basic fighter maneuvers and air combat maneuvers. The team’s efforts created a pathway to validate and implement new and innovative space tactics in exercises and training changing the culture of current AFSPC operators into a warfighting mindset. Their efforts enabled an annual savings of $100 million with the creation, certification, and distribution of the Simulation in Python of Space Entities (SPySE) tools and development environment. Air Force M&S Training Award – 705th Combat Training Squadron Distributed Mission Operations Center Kirtland AFB, New Mexico During this award period, the 705th team’s tireless efforts, increased efficiency, maximized resources, and brought to the forefront the necessity of M&S in training our warfighters. They led the planning and execution of 12 warfighter-focused training exercises that trained more than 1,560 joint personnel. In addition, their team delivered a first-of-its-kind 5th-gen TTP event and uncovered a Homeland Defense design gap, driving to an operations plan rewrite. They also integrated the first KC-10/MH-60R into a VIRTUAL FLAG event and linked eight new units, for a total of 57, to produce realistic combat training. They executed two Joint Kill chain events, created/executed 46 air defense mission scenarios, and certified 20 Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officers. On behalf of the United States Air Force, Major General Smith, the Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation (AFAMS) and the Air Force Selection Board we wish to extend our sincere congratulations to each of the many creative and innovative applicants, nominees, and winners. AFAMS is the designated agency managing and coordinating the annual awards for Air Force Headquarters/A3T. For information about the nomination process for next year, send an email to AFAMS.CCE@afams.af.mil.