National Training and Simulation Association.

Companies in the simulation, training, mission planning/rehearsal and support services industry are represented through membership in the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA), an affiliate of NDIA since 1992. NTSA provides the training, simulation, mission planning, related support systems and training services industries a recognized, focused, formal organization to represent and promote their business interests in the marketplace. The association provides a forum to communicate the full capability and broad characteristics of all of the elements of training systems and mission planning to include associated support services. Founded in 1988, as a non-profit corporation, the association fosters communication between the training industry, planners and acquisition agencies regarding requirements, procurement issues and policies. An important aim of NTSA is to see that all aspects of training, mission planning and rehearsal, training services and training range requirements are highlighted as independent and important "line items" in the overall planning, programming, budgeting and acquisition process.

The International Training and Simulation Alliance (ITSA) has been established to strengthen NTSA's international access and to better promote training and simulation to the international community.

The alliance is currently comprised of ETSA, the European Training & Simulation Association; KTSA in Korea; and SIAA in Australia. Expansion, especially in Asia, is expected in future years. Visit the ITSA home page at www.itsalliance.org and the ETSA home page at www.etsaweb.org.

The Modeling & Simulation Professional Certification Commission (M&SPCC), led by NTSA and composed of members from industry, academia and government, oversees the Certified Modeling & Simulation Professional (CMSP) certification program. Visit www.simprofessional.org to learn more about certification.

Steve Detro, chairman of the NTSA Executive Committee, is the Vice President of Business Development for Quantum3D, Inc. He has over 30 years experience in Simulation and Training and in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Steve has worked in business development, sales, marketing, program management, aircrew training and simulator research. Steve has extensive experience in business capture of DoD programs both as a prime system integrator and as a subcontractor/vendor. He has authored numerous technical papers in Human Factors. He is a LtCol retired from the Air Force Reserve where his military career spanned 33 years as he progressed from enlisted aircraft mechanic to command fighter pilot with over 2300 hours in F-16, F-4, A-7 and F-100 aircraft. He has been involved with I/ITSEC since 1992, serving in many capacities including subcommittee member, subcommittee chair, special event coordinator and Program Chair in 2004. Steve has also contributed significantly to seven NTSA Training 20XX Survey reports as the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Air Force Chapter. Steve holds a BS in Education from Wright State University with graduate work in Human Factors. He is a graduate of the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science, Air Command and Staff College and USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training.

Association Objectives

* Represent to government the non-partisan business interests of the simulation, training, mission planning and rehearsal and support services industries.

* Increase the value of training systems and services provided by industry to government.

* Inform and educate the legislative, policymaking, acquisition and regulatory functions of government, including Congress, the Defense Department and other agencies.

* Provide contact between acquisition activities and the industry to better communicate with regard to procurement issues and policies.

* Promote the highest level of responsibility and business ethics among members.

* Act as a clearing house for business policy, ethics and practices affecting industry.

* Provide industry wide bulletins and news reports.

* Actively participate with, inform and support the training, mission planning and rehearsal activities of other industry associations such as Aerospace Industries Association, Electronics Industries Association, International Technology Education Association and the other industrial divisions of NDIA.

NTSA Events Schedule for late 2007:

August 28-30

Joint ADL Co-Lab Implementation Fest Rosen Centre Hotel

Orlando, Fla.

November 26-29

Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC)

Orange County Convention Center 

Orlando, Fla.

Please check the NTSA website at: www.trainingsystems.org for additional information on the above events, or call Heather Horan at [phone].

Rear Adm. Fred Lewis, USN (Ret.), brings over 32 years of Navy experience in many areas of training to his role as the President of the National Training and Simulation Association. His reputation as a leader in the fields of training and simulation makes him the ideal director for the growing affiliate association. Lewis can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail].

Barbara McDaniel. As director of conferences and programs, Barbara is the primary point of contact for all questions concerning I/ITSEC. Barbara has been with NTSA since 1992 and directly involved with I/ITSEC since 1995. Barbara can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail].

Patrick Rowe. As director of NTSA membership services, Patrick is the primary point of contact for all questions concerning NTSA membership. He is also the primary contact for questions concerning the Certified Modeling & Simulation Professional (CMSP) program. Patrick has been with NTSA since 2002. He can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail].

Capt. Nelson P. Jackson, USN (Ret.), has 25 years of Navy surface warfare experience, plus more than 20 years in the association covering technology with particular emphasis in training and simulation issues. He is the focal point for ITEC matters both in Europe and Asia. Jackson can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail].

Debbie L. Dyson. As Director of Exhibits, Debbie is the primary point of contact for all questions concerning exhibits and sponsorship. Debbie has been with NTSA since 2004, and in the exhibits management field since 1990. Debbie can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail].

John Williams. As Director of Media Relations, John is the primary point of contact for all press, media and public inquiries. Prior to joining NTSA, John had a distinguished career in the foreign service. John can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail].

Heather Horan. As Meeting & Exhibits Coordinator, Heather is the primary point of contact for all NTSA meetings other than I/ITSEC. She also assists with exhibits at I/ITSEC and other meetings. Heather joined NTSA in 2007. She can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail].