When in training, multi-person crews and teams learn, retain, and understand more when they actively participate as complete, coordinated groups, making their analyses and decisions together in real time.

With approximately 65 Aviators, 150 TCOs, and 200 Surface crews in the Northeast District-Southern Region, a continuing challenge that frustrates many of our operational Surface, Communication, and airborne crews is how to practice and maintain their emergency response and SAR skills in a ready state of proficiency between relatively rare emergency assistance or SAR taskings.

What began as research into the potential effectiveness of using an immersive procedure trainer for Observers preparing for the Hudson River ice patrols led several visiting TCOs to ask whether they could practice taking the radio guard for the crews in the simulator who would be providing real-time position reports along the Hudson, since they rarely, if ever, get to practice their communication and tracking skills.

Following up on these TCOs' interests, the SPG scheduled several additional research exercises involving personnel from all three sections of the Auxiliary's operational triad—air, communications, and surface crews—who were invited to participate in real-time SAR scenarios.

Two additional crew seats were added to the simulator, allowing TCOs and Surface Operations crews to gain a better appreciation and understanding of how all three Operations segments work.

While no one can predict which combinations of Coast Guard and/or Auxiliary Operational sections might work together on a particular event, early results from these simple yet comprehensive exercises have proven effective in helping operational crews maintain their perishable skills through periodic No-Risk/High-Gain exercises.

Expandable, scalable exercises, ranging from basic searches for overdue boats or aircraft to more complex scenarios, have been conducted and have shown promise in strengthening partnerships, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and improving overall readiness for real-world incidents, including maritime surge and backfill responses to natural or man-made disasters, as well as standard search-and-rescue missions.

These No-Risk/High-Gain activities were also used to develop, test, and validate several new and updated local plans and procedures.

Another equally valuable by-product of this newly available training technology was the ability to assess the effectiveness of proposed response plans across various simulated scenarios, providing feedback for future investments and capability development planning, as well as data to validate future operational and training needs.