Empowering Airmen for the Future: How WBI Drives Innovation in Training and Human Performance
Courtesy of William Graver, Air Force Research Laboratory
In today’s fast-paced, multi-domain operational environment, the Air Force must equip its Airmen to adapt quickly to ever-changing mission demands. Recognizing this challenge, the Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) has become a catalyst for innovation, connecting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) with external resources to develop agile and effective solutions. One such groundbreaking effort is the development of the "Just In Time Multi-Mission Airmen" (JITMMA) training capability, which highlights WBI’s commitment to improving processes and accelerating the path from concept to capability.
Connecting to Outside Innovation for Human Performance Enhancement
For years, WBI has supported advancements in Human Performance Enhancement (HPE)technologies, leveraging its extensive network of innovators, technologists, and domain experts. From early partnerships with AFRL to exploring biofeedback and wearable tech, WBI has always focused on optimizing Airmen's readiness and resilience.
In collaboration with the Air Force Futures (formerly Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability), WBI extended this focus to address a critical need: ensuring Airmen are prepared to seamlessly adapt to dynamic mission requirements. The result was the conceptualization and eventual development of the JITMMA training capability.
What is JITMMA?
The "Just In Time Multi-Mission Airmen" (JITMMA) training approach redefines how the Air Force prepares its personnel. Traditional training often struggles to keep pace with the demands of multi-domain operations. JITMMA solves this problem by leveraging:
AI-driven adaptive learning systems: Training tailored to individual Airmen and specific mission requirements.
Immersive technologies: Virtual and augmented reality environments that simulate real-world scenarios.
Scalable learning pathways: Flexible modules that allow Airmen to transition seamlessly between roles or missions.
This approach provides the Air Force with a game-changing capability, enabling Airmen to meet evolving mission needs with precision and speed.
The Role of WBI and the Directed Accelerated Innovation (DIA) Process
The success of JITMMA would not have been possible without WBI’s application of the Discover Incubate Accelerate (DIA) process in partnership with the rInnovation Group. This structured approach drove innovation in several key ways:
Framing the Problem
Through workshops and stakeholder engagements, WBI identified the core challenges of traditional Air Force training: time-intensive preparations, rigid frameworks, and a lack of adaptability. These insights shaped the focus on rapid, role-specific training.
Leveraging External Ecosystems
WBI’s extensive network brought together AFRL, operational commands, industry partners, and academic experts to co-create solutions. By bridging the gap between internal Air Force priorities and external innovation, WBI ensured a comprehensive approach.
Prototyping and Validation
The DIA process facilitated rapid ideation and concept validation. JITMMA stood out as a transformative idea due to its scalability and alignment with future mission requirements. Real-world simulations and use-case scenarios demonstrated its potential impact.
Accelerating to Solutions
The insights and connections generated through the DIA process enabled faster transitions from research to operational readiness, cutting through traditional bottlenecks in capability development.
Courtesy of William Graver, Air Force Research Laboratory
WBI: A Catalyst for Faster, Smarter Solutions
WBI’s work on JITMMA exemplifies its ability to connect AFRL with external innovation ecosystems, driving faster and more effective solutions for the Air Force. By continuously improving processes and fostering collaboration, WBI ensures that cutting-edge concepts like JITMMA become operational realities.
This isn’t just about technology—it’s about enabling Airmen to excel in complex, high-stakes environments. Through its commitment to innovation and collaboration, WBI empowers the Air Force to stay ahead of the curve, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
Building the Future of Air Force Training
JITMMA provides tremendous potential. “It can be integrated in a number of different ways, from vehicle to weapons maintenance. On a larger scale, it can be used to practice battle drills or any kind of battlespace operations.” said 2nd Lt. Kyle Funk, platoon leader, 323rd Military Police Company.
As WBI continues to support initiatives like JITMMA, its role as a bridge between innovation and implementation becomes increasingly vital. The collaboration with AFRL reflects WBI’s dedication to modernizing Air Force capabilities while fostering a culture of agility and excellence.
“It’s Air Force training right now but we can really open up the aperture to benefit the Army, Marines, you name it,” said McGee.
With partners like WBI driving innovation, the Air Force is not just preparing for the future—it’s shaping it. JITMMA is more than a training solution; it’s a testament to what’s possible when expertise, creativity, and collaboration converge.Ready for the mission. Ready for the future. That’s the Air Force vision—and WBI is making it happen.