38 • Transformation Through Training • Issue No: 11 • November 2018 Modelling and Simulation as a Service Discussed at JFTC “Modelling and Simulation as a Service” was the main topic of discussions held at the Joint Force Training Centre between 5 and 9 February 2018. The Modelling and Simulation Group 164 (MSG 164) kick-off meeting gathered in Bydgoszcz to build upon developments of previous working groups (MSG 131 and 136) and thus to foster the work on enhancing future simulation environments for NATO and its partners. Modelling and simulations is a discipline that uses models of real systems or processes in a virtual environment. The use of modelling and simulation by JFTC allows it to acquire analytical data during testing and to cost effectively train military forces. Modelling and Simulation as a Service is expected to provide highest quality simulations to their users no matter where they are. Previous developments discovered in MSG-136 proved that M&S as a Service can highly benefit from commercial developments, and deliver future simulation environments to NATO and its partners even more efficiently. The recently conducted MSG-164 meeting defined the working group’s structure and program of work. Change of Command at the Bydgoszcz CIS Support Unit NATO Information and Communication Agency CIS Support Unit in Bydgoszcz (NCIA CSU Bydgoszcz) has a new Commander. On 23 February 2018, Commander Dariusz Kisiel (POL Navy) passed the leadership over the unit to Commander Sławomir Hejka (POL Navy). The duties were officially transferred by Brigadier General Luigi Tomaiuolo, the NCIA Director, Service Operations. General Tomaiuolo handed over the NCIA CSU Bydgoszcz’s colours to the incoming Commander during the Change of Command ceremony held at the Joint Force Training Centre (JFTC), and in the presence of Major General Wilhelm Grün, the JFTC Commander, and Brigadier General Ladislav Jung, the JFTC Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, who participated in the ceremony together with representatives of other NATO units based in Bydgoszcz. Commander Sławomir Hejka arrived in Bydgoszcz from Gdynia where he served as an Information Technology (IT) Specialist at the Information and Communication Technology Centre. Earlier, he gained international experience serving at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe’s (SHAPE) Service Management Branch. EXONAUT Testing Event in Support of NATO Training The Joint Force Training Centre (JFTC) conducted tests of software products that may enhance exercise tools and may be used in NATO training. The EXONAUT testing event took place between 26 February and 1 March 2018 in Bydgoszcz. Earlier this year, the Allied Command Transformation asked its two training subordinate commands – JFTC and the Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway - to execute tests of commercial software products that may meet NATO requirements for the planning, execution and analysis of allied training activities. Two phases were planned, and the first was held at JFTC. Using the state-of-the-art platform for experimentation and innovation developed at JFTC, a group of experts, led by specialists from the JFTC Plans and Development Division, focused on making exercise tools more efficient and flexible. All the work was performed in support of future NATO training, and thus in support of future allied operations.