Present Career: CBS Technician
The military services pioneered the development of several job and occupational analysis methods and the application of technologies that evolved to meet a variety of military needs. The Army has fielded a wide range of simulations for tactical units. The purpose of these simulations range from training individual skills to collective training for corps staffs. Currently fielded simulations are not designed for operational use. Simulations can provide a useful tool to help staffs visualize and understand complex time-space relationships and unit interactions. Eliminating the need for these factors to be visualized in the mind s eye allows staffs to focus their cognitive abilities on synchronizing mission plans.
The simulations purpose is course of action analysis as described in the war gaming step of the staff planning process. To be used operationally, the simulation must be easy to use, provide rapid scenario development, enable fast course of action analysis and run on a personal computer. To meet these requirements the simulation is built using reusable software components and loosely coupled program modules.
To meet these challenging tasks, I had been given ample preparation by my past experiences. Having worked on simulation and modeling had helped me a great deal to master the craft. Concurrently, I was given the chance to work in the military and apply what I have learned to more challenging and substantial opportunities. Applying as a Corps Battle Simulation (CBS) technician is not easy as the qualifications and competition for the job is enormous. For instance, the qualifications listed included a three year experience in simulation and modeling: (1) Extensive experience in data processing to include system and/or application programming or 3-5 years of experience; (2) Experience in the use of at least two of the following programming languages or applications FORTRAN, PASCAL, C, SIMSCRIPT II 5, Windows 2000 Professional; (3) Extensive experience with Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) VAX VMS and UNIX operating systems and with all systems required to operate the PC version of CBS and; (4) Understanding of large-scale distributed simulation exercises. These requirements require not just knowledge of these software but rather an in depth familiarity of its application.
My acceptance in the CBS provided me with the opportunity to work closely with some of the best in simulation and modeling/. As a technician I was tasked to do a variety of responsibilities. Some of my tasks include the following: (1) Assist the CBS Manager in the performance of his duties; (2) Install, operate and maintain CBS software and all aspects of the play of the simulations; (3) Integrate hardware, software, programming, and database tasks; (4) Ensures compliance with policies and procedures for system design, programming, documentation, and testing; (5) Monitor system performance during exercises and takes corrective actions when required; (6) Review all program documentation and ensures compliance with hardware and software system configuration management policies; (7) Supervise the operations of data communication facilities to include local area communications networks; (8) Responsible for supporting on-site system testing; (9) Coordinate the identification, resolution, and correction of hardware and software problems; (10) Provides for checkpoints and recovery of databases; (11) Develop short CBS programs to answer emergent questions and support the AAR system and; (12) Make modification, as appropriate, of the Game Events Executive Processor (GEEP) program.
These tasks can be considered as essential in the operation of the CBS division. The Corps Battle Simulation (CBS) is the army’s division and corps staff trainer. CBS is primarily used by the army and does not employ high-resolution combat models. Instead, CBS uses an attrition combat model. Although CBS is targeted for staffs at echelons above brigade, most brigade and battalion staff officers have participated in multiple CBS driven exercises.
The CBS hardware suite is fairly extensive. CBS is a networked simulation run over a local or wide area network. The simulation is hosted on a DEC VAX 7620 computer. The host is networked with multiple MicroVAX 3100/40 computers each of which support up to three workstations. A workstation is typically configured with a television monitor, graphics pad, laser video disc player, graphics generator, printer and three video terminals. A recent system upgrade has replaced the VAX 3100/40 computers with VAX 3100/85 computers.
CBS requires support staff to setup and run the simulation. To execute a generic division level simulation, a minimum of four trained technicians is required per shift. For my part, I had been leading the technicians in our work which includes supervision and reporting of the outcome to the CBS manager.
Having tasked with such enormous responsibility have built my professional development and my personal growth. When on the job, I always see to it that I give my commitment and the best that I have. This compassion stemmed from my understanding that one fatal mistake could lead to a life loss. Thus, being a CBS technician also means being responsible for your work and for other beings. This is one of the more valuable lessons that I will never forget.
Value of Education
With experience and age, comes the need to give more and get more out of one’s self whether in the work setting or in education. It is not surprising therefore that several accomplished people still strive to acquire education- one is bound to learn a thing or to as they say. Having recognized the immense responsibility I have as a CBS technician, comes he personal need to push myself to the limit and expand the intellectual boundaries that I have reached. What better way could I accomplish this than to go back to school and learn more in order that I could give more.
Education plays a critical role in self-development- it is the impetus for one’s progress. While it is true that one can learn outside of the classroom, education is still one of the best venue for training and development of one’s potential. It also exposes one to the broad array of fields, knowledge and ideas that is valuable in the workplace. It gives a holistic view and presents different perspectives that we could otherwise not see- this is the beauty of school. Aside from easier access to jobs, it provides competence in terms of analytical and technical skills, it also makes one open to other possibilities and innovate on some things that are already obscured.
This drive can only be attained by attending to one’s education. A college diploma is priceless not only in the aesthetic sense nor is it valuable because it is a passport to opportunities. More importantly, a college education allows me to broaden my perspective, innovate, learn, and apply these to my work. On the other hand, it also inculcates in me a sense of responsibility, discipline and dedication.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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