Building up to the Land Forces Training conference this February, Colonel Steve Banks spoke on current modeling and simulation developments in the defense industry in an interview with the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement (IDGA).

Colonel Steve Banks holds the role of Branch Head for Modelling and Simulation Learning Technologies at NATO Headquarters Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (HQ SACT). Additionally, he serves as the capability monitor for three key programs: NATO Next Generation Modelling and Simulation, Political Military Assisted Decision Making, and Education Training Exercise and Evaluation Functional Services.

When asked what challenges the branch is currently facing, Banks said the primary challenge lies in the slow implementation and security integration of technological solutions within NATO. Delays in testing, coordination, and deployment hinder responsiveness, leading stakeholders to seek ad hoc learning technology and modeling & simulation solutions independently. This decentralized approach results in the existence of multiple systems with similar capabilities, often lacking interoperability.