ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information about how virtual environments can best be used to train Military teams to operate in defense environments. It begins by explaining why SBT is a valuable tool for preparing trainees for complex environments and why it is especially effective for training teams. SBT is especially effective for training teams because it provides opportunities for team members to develop shared mental models (SMMs) prior to entering the real-world environment. The chapter describes various strategies that can be used to optimize the effectiveness of SBT for training defense teams. In summary, the careful consideration and implementation of some or all of the strategies greatly enhance the effectiveness of initiatives designed to train defense teams using virtual environments. The chapter also describes various instructional features that can serve to optimize this type of training, and concludes with some final thoughts about how such interventions can best be implemented.
