US Coast Guard adopts virtual reality technology and expands Wi-Fi to train for Arctic and cyber security, GAO notes

The US relies on USCG patrol forces in the High North, such as those pictured here in Kodiak, Alaska. (Janes/Michael Fabey)

The US Coast Guard (USCG) is starting to rely more on using virtual reality technology and expanded Wi-Fi to augment training for increasing Arctic and cyber-security operations, according to a recent US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.

“[USCG] FORCECOM [Force Readiness Command] has expanded Wi-Fi and internet access at several of its training centers and has adopted virtual reality training for some courses,” the GAO said in its report, Coast Guard Additional Actions Needed to Guide Training and Assessment Efforts, released 30 October.

“In recent years, the coastguard has increasingly focused on emerging mission demands such as Arctic operations and cyber security,” the GAO reported.

“Meeting these mission demands requires enhanced skills and training for the coastguard workforce,” the GAO said. “Within the coastguard, FORCECOM is responsible for developing training for coastguard programs to meet these and other demands, and for assessing units' compliance with policies and procedures.”

FORCECOM has developed a strategy for modernising its training enterprise and taken steps towards implementing the strategy, the GAO noted.

“In 2020 FORCECOM released the Modernized Ready Learning Strategy to address ongoing workforce challenges by modernizing its training enterprise,” the GAO said.

“The strategy calls for improving the training experience for the coastguard workforce by updating training delivery and tailoring training programs to individual learners, among other things,” the GAO reported. “The strategy emphasises the importance of a blended approach to learning, with a mixture of virtual, self-paced, and traditional classroom training.”