Congressman J. Randy Forbes, Founder and Co-Chairman        
Congressman Solomon Ortiz, Co-Chairman

September 2009

Faulty Financial Model May Be Responsible for Economic Downfall 

The House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held their first hearing on September 10, to investigate the role that the Value-at Risk (VaR) method for risk modeling played in last year's financial meltdown.
 
The VaR is a key measurement in assessing financial institutions’ risk taking and is depended upon to predict possible losses. Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, and Bear Sterns have been using the VaR model and critics believe the downfall of these institutions can be attributed to a faulty model, or the inability for the VaR to catch the institutions extreme risks.

Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) says the VaR model is usually accurate under normal financial conditions, but claims that the VaR is unlikely to capture the risks associated with the inevitable abnormalities of the market.  For statements from the witnesses, click here.
 

Congressional Modeling and Simulation Advocacy - Past, Present and Future
By Congressman Robert Wittman, (R-VA)

Uncertainty and ambiguity characterize the chaotic battlefield environment for our service members operating in Afghanistan and Iraq today. And yet, many similarities can be drawn with the economic and political situation surrounding the Pentagon’s defense budget this year. However, a remaining constant amid these uncertain times is the critical need for modeling and simulation (M&S) military technologies to enhance training and readiness for our armed forces.

We find ourselves in a unique transitional period as the economy continues to be strained, the new administration determines its funding priorities, Congress works to complete the defense authorization and appropriation bills, and the Pentagon refines its national defense strategy through the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). Despite these circumstances, it is vital that Congress and the Pentagon work together to fully fund essential M&S military training technologies this year and beyond. To continue reading, click here. 
 

Virtual Classrooms - A Glimpse at the Future in Education

Students in Baltimore County Maryland are learning in new virtual classrooms. The new classrooms are equipped with large projection screens on the walls, along with a throttle and a joystick that help to bring 3-D simulations and problem solving scenarios into students’ hands. The simulations will be used for curriculum areas such as geometry and environmental science, with more subject areas to become integrated into the simulation program in the near future.

The goal of the program is to help students develop skills that will make them marketable to future employers.
 

Construction Project Will Use Earthquake Simulation to Test Building’s Strength

A publicly funded construction project near Niagra Falls recently received $663,000 in order to finish the 47-acre commercial project. Before the final phase of construction goes underway, the National Guard will turn the site into an earthquake disaster simulation zone. National Guardsman and local first responders’ agencies from across the US will visit the construction site to participate in the earthquake simulation.

The US military will ship large amounts of rubble to the site in order to represent a series of damaged buildings should they be destroyed by an earthquake. The scenario will simulate a 5.2 magnitude earthquake with the future retail center at its epicenter. The local first responders will receive training in natural disaster rescue missions, an area in which most first responders do not always receive competent training.  
 

Lockheed Martin Uses New Flight Simulation Program for Training

Lockheed Martin’s Simulation, Training & Support division will begin using the Barco Small Environment-Enhancing Reality, or SEER, system for their training facility based in Australia.

Barco’s SEER system takes place inside two mini-domes and is designed specifically for flight simulation purposes. Nine SIM 7 image projectors line the domes, which are used to simulate imagery designed to meet the FAA and JAA requirements for flight training. The SIM 7 projectors are high resolution and are equipped with an option that accurately handles fast-moving images. The enhanced features of the SIM 7 create a geometrically accurate image on the spherical surface of the SEER dome. The SEER system is also equipped with standardized mechanical structures and specialized auto-alignment tools.
  

Google Earth Releases Flight Simulation Feature

The new platform for Google Earth has integrated a flight simulation feature, allowing visitors to the site to virtually fly around the world.

Using your computers mouse or joystick, the flight simulator allows visitors to fly either an F16 or SR22 aircraft from an airport of their choice and explore the world through Google earth’s satellite photography and imagery elements. Google Earth recommends using a broadband internet connection for enhanced, more realistic graphics.

Accessing the “Help” menu on the Google Earth site will provide a detailed description of the hotkeys for various functions and flight simulation combinations.
 

Cabela’s Outdoor Adventures to Release Simulation Video Game

The ultimate sportsman’s video game allows players to navigate the outdoors in a simulation style sporting experience including hunting and freshwater fishing in over 50 of America’s top outdoor destinations.

The game boasts 39 different lifelike species for players to hunt using top-brand name licensed firearms and fishing gear. Players feel like they are in realistic hunting environments and are able to use intensive hunting and fishing techniques. The games Visually Integrated Targeting and Lock-on System, also know as VITALS allows players to focus in on their target and feel as if they are hooking the biggest catch or taking home the big game in real-time. For more on this game, click here.
 

 M&S Caucus Member Spotlight

Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas 

Hometown:  New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Congressional District:   24^th District of Florida

Years in Congress:  1

Committee Assignments:  Science & Technology, Financial Services

Government M&S in her district:  University of Central Florida, NASA Shuttle Facility

Rep. Kosmas on M&S: “I personally am very passionate about modeling and simulation, which helps train our military and provides great entrepreneurial opportunities for incubator small businesses.  My district has the National Center for Simulation, a dynamic collaborative center that provides critical training for our military.  I am working with the National Center for Simulation to create the Joint Medical Simulation Center, a project that will serve as the principal center and focal point for collaboration between the primary defense organizations conducting research and development in medical modeling and simulation for training, therapy, and rehabilitation.  Recent combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq has shown that realistic and readily-available training for medical specialists saves lives on the battlefield. As a member of the House Modeling and Simulation Caucus, I will continue to focus on measures to promote modeling and simulation in order to help our military, medical personnel, and first responders do their jobs.”

To visit Rep. Kosmas’ website, go to: http://kosmas.house.gov

M&S Must Reads

Serious Injury Claim: A Simulating Idea…The Use of Simulation in Training

The use of simulation as a training tool is not new; indeed, it has been used since the 1900s to enhance the overall learning experience. The most well understood use of simulation is flight simulators in the aviation industry.

DOTmed News: Practice Makes Perfect with Brain Surgery Simulator

When David Clarke, MD, removed a benign tumor from a woman's brain last month, it was, in a way, the second time he had performed the surgery. Days earlier, the Halifax, Nova Scotia-based neurosurgeon had rehearsed the complex procedure on a state-of-the-art virtual-reality simulator, using a model created from the patient's own medical information. Dr. Clarke believes the operation was the first of its kind where a brain tumor surgery was practiced beforehand on a patient-specific simulator.  

Flesh and Stone: Exclusive: Is the AF447 disaster investigation hiding something?

Families of the victims of the June 1 Air France crash over the Atlantic have become skeptical of the investigation citing lack of progress and apparent contradictions. They have hired a legal team which has started proceedings against both Air France and Airbus, the plane’s manufacturer.

That was the question asked in an exclusive interview given to Flesh & Stone by a lawyer for the families of those who died when Air France flight AF447 crashed into the Atlantic on June 1.  

New York Post: Saving lives & Money, Making our Great Army Better

When was the last time you heard of a defense program coming in 50 percent under budget and exceeding performance requirements?  In this age of government pork on steroids, patriots in uniform and civilians working for the US Army have been pursuing ways to deliver the goods to our soldiers in the field quicker, better and cheaper.

 If you have news articles on M&S that you would like to have featured in a future issue of the Modeling and Simulation Newsletter, please email them to the M&S Newsletter.

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