Simulation & Training Forum Spotlights Air Force–Industry Collaboration on Next-Gen Readiness [Image 1 of 5]

DAYTON, OHIO, UNITED STATES

04.22.2026

Photo by James Varhegyi 

Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

Col. Elwood Waddell, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Training Directorate’s deputy director gives opening remarks during the 2026 Simulation & Training Community Forum (STCF), at the Dayton Convention Center, Ohio, April 22, 2026.

Hosted by the National Training & Simulation Association (NTSA), the event brought together government, industry, and academic stakeholders to advance Air Force training and simulation priorities. The one day forum focused on strengthening collaboration with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Training Directorate’s Simulators Program Office and major commands as they modernize readiness across the enterprise. STCF 2026 provided a structured venue for industry to engage directly with Air Force procurement and requirements leaders on emerging training systems, services, and enabling technologies. A series of panels brought together representatives from key commands and organizations—such as Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Mobility Command, Pacific Air Forces, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Force Research Lab, and Headquarters Air Force A3T—to discuss current and future training demands. Dialogue centered on integrating high fidelity simulation into everyday training, enabling distributed mission operations, and ensuring that new platforms and weapons arrive with robust, interoperable training baselines from inception.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

• Date Taken: 04.22.2026
• Date Posted: 04.29.2026 10:59
• Photo ID: 9648203
• VIRIN: 260422-F-FC975-1033
• Resolution: 3000x1996
• Size: 1.28 MB
• Location: DAYTON, OHIO, US