Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation

23/10/2026

Did you miss the first Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency - DARPA Surgical Competition Industry Day hosted at the Central Florida Tech Grove in September, then join their second, fully virtual session to learn more about the competition.

It will occur Nov. 4 from 4-6 PM (Eastern) and will only be offered by Webinar (online).
While there is no registration fee for the webinar, registration is limited by the webinar capacity, and early registration is strongly recommended as attendance will be limited to the first 1000 registrants.

Hope to see you there!

Registration link: https://events.sa-meetings.com/website/100055/home/

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division ( )
Team Orlando

21/10/2026

AI Adoption: Are Air Force and Space Force Ready and Willing?

United States Air Force and United States Space Force leaders are calling for and to enthusiastically embrace artificial intelligence and apply emerging tools to their work. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe even went so far as to say those who don’t embrace “will end up in someone else’s rearview mirror.”

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink opened AFA’s annual Air, Space, and Cyber Conference with the comments of a true believer, saying the department is “putting more than 300 AI tools into the hands of our people.”

“I use them every day,” Meink said. “This includes tools that streamline work for nearly 150,000 Airmen, and for our Guardians, data fusion tools that turn millions of data points into actual information.”

For full story, visit: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/ai-adoption-air-force-space-force-ready-willing/

Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation ( )
Team Orlando

Air Force and Space Force leaders are urging Airmen and Guardians to embrace AI tools, though experts warn of technical and cultural hurdles.

16/10/2026

Inaugural X-62 Research Symposium represents demand for America’s first AI X-Plane at Air Force Test Pilot School.

More than 80 individuals from industry, academia and the joint force converged on the historic Air Force Test Pilot School campus at Edwards Air Force Base for the inaugural X-62 Research Symposium. The three-day summit quickly set the foundation for future research in autonomy-enabled combat aviation through the nation’s first AI X-plane.

The summit included briefings from the Department of the Air Force, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency - DARPA, the Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, among others. Operational aircrew from an Air Combat Command fighter squadron also shared recent real-world operational perspectives on bridging the gap between pilot trust and machine learning.

With a sprint goal of establishing three future flight test concepts that could be executed on the X-62 from fiscal 2027 to 2028, stakeholders collaborated on a final proposal of more than 30 concepts, a reflection of the substantial, previously untapped demand for the X-62 across the joint enterprise.

“The X-62 Summit was the first time we convened stakeholders across the spectrum of capability development of autonomy tools for combat aviation,” said Col. Maryann Karlen, commandant of the Air Force Test Pilot School. “We were awed by the level of positive responses and interest. This demonstrates, without a doubt, the demand for testbeds like the X-62.”

To read the full story, visit: https://www.edwards.af.mil/News/Display/Article/4624974/inaugural-x-62-research-symposium-represents-demand-for-americas-first-ai-x-pla/

Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation ( )
Team Orlando

In August 2026, more than 80 individuals from industry, academia and the joint force converged on the historic Air Force Test Pilot School campus at Edwards Air Force Base for the inaugural X-62

15/10/2026

Want to learn more about our new Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation (AFAMS) commander and his professional background?
Tune in to the latest "AIM on MS&T" podcast, where he shares insights into his career, experiences, and vision for advancing Air Force readiness through modeling and simulation.

Team Orlando
United States Air Force

Our newest episode of the "AIM on MS&T" is out now!

AFAMS Commander Discusses Advancing Air Force Readiness Through Modeling & Simulation.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oXG9YRqWcrwPT1BN1gaPP?si=KpYk0CZxTYquDOLF1jJnfQ

09/10/2026

Senior leadership from the Department of the Air Force in Washington, DC spent the day immersed in Central Florida’s modeling, simulation, and training ecosystem as part of the Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation ( ) guidon unfurling event this week in .

Dr. Eliahu Niewood, Director of the Integrated Capabilities Office and Director of Studies and Analysis for the Department of the Air Force (SAF/SA), his Deputy Director Col. Jun Oh, and Mr. Mark Stankiewicz, acting United States Air Force Director of Modeling and Simulation, used the visit to gain a closer look at the region’s cutting-edge capabilities. Escorted throughout the day by AFAMS Commander Lt. Col. Christopher Hergenreter and senior AFAMS leaders, the team engaged with key partners across the Central Florida Tech Grove following the unfurling ceremony (see yesterday’s post) with a discussion with Navy CDR. Denver White, Director of Research and Technology at the The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division ( ). Together, they explored emerging technical partnerships and the growing role of joint modeling and simulation efforts in future operational readiness.

From there, the delegation traveled to the University of Central Florida ( ) for a meeting with UCF President Dr. Alexander Cartwright and Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira, UCF’s Modeling and Simulation Director and CEO of the Pegasus Research Institute. Conversations centered on AFAMS–UCF collaboration, the university’s role in advancing modeling and simulation research, and new opportunities to connect academic innovation with operational needs, followed by a short tour of UCF’s M&S facilities.

The team then toured the future home of the Virtual Environment for Tactical Training Systems (VJETTS), an AFAMS–U.S. Navy (NAWCTSD) partnership designed to deliver next-generation, end-to-end , , and capabilities across , , and traditional combat domains. Led by Glenn Harris, NAWCTSD Test and Evaluation Division Head, and Aaron Judy, NAWCTSD T&E Director and Chief Test Engineer, the visit highlighted how VJETTS will provide a test, evaluation, and analysis environment for capabilities across the services before they are fielded.

In the afternoon, AFAMS and SAF/SA leaders joined members of Team Orlando and collaborative partners such as the National Center for Simulation ( ) and the National Training and Simulation Association ( ) for in-depth discussions on ongoing initiatives and future opportunities in the Central technical corridor. NAWCTSD Deputy Technical Director Michael Merritt led the session, which underscored the strength of the region’s collaborative ecosystem.

During the visit, the senior leaders also met with AFAMS staff to discuss the agency’s future missions and priorities and recognize some of our team members' recent successes and accomplishments. AFAMS’ recent move under SAF/SA marks a pivotal moment for the agency, underscoring a clearer, more focused direction for our mission. Building on this new assignment, AFAMS is set to refresh and expand and strengthen its work with Team Orlando, the University of Central Florida, and industry partners throughout the region to better drive forward innovation in modeling, simulation, and training to better support the United States Air Force and United States Space Force’s future operational needs.

08/10/2026

The Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation ( ) marked a significant new chapter yesterday with a special Air Force Guidon “Unfurling” Ceremony at the Central Florida Tech Grove, commemorating AFAMS’ recent realignment under SAF/SA.

During the ceremony, Dr. Eliahu Niewood, Integrated Capabilities Office and Director of Studies and Analysis (SAF/SA) for the Department of the Air Force came down from Washington, D.C. to present the new guidon to AFAMS’ new Commander Lt. Col. Christopher Hergenreter. The event formally recognized the agency’s updated mission and organizational alignment, while underscoring its growing role in supporting the Department of the Air Force through , , , and .

The SAF/SA Guidon Unfurling Ceremony carries deep United States Air Force tradition. When a unit is inactivated, restructured, or redesignated, its previous colors are formally cased, symbolizing the close of one chapter. The unfurling and posting of a new guidon marks the beginning of another, reflecting a new designation, mission, and command alignment. For AFAMS, the unfurling of the SAF/SA guidon symbolizes the agency’s integration within the Directorate, unity of effort, and continued commitment to advancing the Department of Air Force M&S mission.

More than a ceremonial milestone, the event signaled both a transition in senior leadership and a renewed sense of purpose for AFAMS. With its new alignment under SAF/SA, and new directive to be the DAF's front door to M&S, the agency is looking ahead to closer collaboration with Team Orlando, academia, and industry partners across the region as it strengthens and advances its mission for the future.

07/10/2026

Are you ready to lead the advancement of modeling and simulation across the Department of the Air Force?
An exciting opportunity is now available to serve as the Chief Modeling and Simulation Officer ( ) within the Department of the Air Force Headquarters Directorate of Air Force Studies and Analysis at the .
This influential position offers the opportunity to help shape national priorities, advance and capabilities across the Department, and inform critical national decisions. It also provides a meaningful platform for professional growth, leadership, and lasting impact.
If you are a senior modeling and simulation professional ready to contribute at the highest levels, click the link below to learn more, apply, and share this opportunity with qualified members of your network.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886240500/preview?_gl=1*gbnjff*_ga*MTQyNzczNzIwNi4xNzkwMjUzNzYz*_ga_5222X8D281*czE3OTAyNzI1ODUkbzMkZzEkdDE3OTAyNzczMjYkajYwJGwwJGgw/

United States Air Force
Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation ( )
Team Orlando

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06/10/2026

Airborne T-7 Links Up with Simulators in United States Air Force First.

Three T-7A Red Hawks flew together at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, in September - but only one was a real aircraft in the air. The other two jets were virtual, controlled from simulators on the ground. All three shared a single, common operating picture.
The demo marked the first time Air Education and Training Command (AETC) has demonstrated live, , and constructive with its future jet , the T-7 from Boeing. The demo inserted physical and digital assets into one environment, in which all three could communicate and work together.
Using , the and jets can fly as if equipped with missiles, bombs, or pods attached, and when employed by a pilot, others will “see” the effects play out on their displays. The simulators can also “inject” adversary or threats into a scenario, with threats appearing on everyone’s displays.
The September flight aimed to test and validate the “foundational architecture” for LVC to work with the T-7, according to a release from .

For full story, visit: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/t-7-simulators-lvc-flight-aetc-first/

Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation ( )
Team Orlando

A T-7 Red Hawk trainer jet connected with two simulators on the ground for a live-virtual-constructive flight for the Air Force on Sept. 16.

05/10/2026

You are invited to join in to learn more about the United States Space Force's wargaming and modeling and simulation efforts 6 - 9 pm on Oct. 29 at the Tides Collocated Club, located outside of Patrick Space Force Base.

AFCEA Space Coast will host Space Delta 10 for a discussion title, "Preparing for the Next Mission: Wargaming, Modeling & Simulation, and the Space Force’s Operational Readiness" as their leadership explores how , and , doctrine, and experimentation contribute to preparing for the operational challenges of today and tomorrow.

The evening will feature Colonel Leah C. Shubin, Commander of Space Delta 10, alongside Dr. Keith Brawner, Technical Director of the Delta 10 Wargaming and Doctrine Center.

Space Delta 10 is part of Space Training and Readiness Command ( ), and this discussion will provide the Space Coast defense, , , and community an opportunity to hear directly from Delta 10 leadership about the role of wargaming and modeling and simulation in advancing operational readiness.

To learn more, register, and get tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/preparing-for-the-next-mission-wargaming-modeling-simulation-and-tickets-2002757587858/

Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation ( )
Team Orlando

AFCEA Space Coast hosts Space Delta 10 for a discussion on wargaming, modeling & simulation, and Space Force operational readiness.

30/09/2026

Air Force Experiment Looks at How Humans and AI Can Team Up for Command and Control.

A recent two-week experiment tested how and can team with machines and artificial intelligence to enhance command and control in complex scenarios - with researchers measuring everything from participants’ heart rates to the quality of their decision-making.
A Space Force crew led an integrated operational crew with Air Force battle managers and industry software developers at ’s Shadow Operations Center-Nellis for the July test. It is the fourth iteration of the Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming series and the first time a Guardian led the team.
That team worked through different scenarios for the July 13-24 experiment, validating software and technical capabilities to support operators across the Air Force and Space Force, according to a service release.
The Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL and its 711th Human Performance Wing were on hand to assess the effects of the new tools. The wing analyzed the speed, quality, and decision accuracy of a human-machine team versus a human-only team. They also measured heart rate, real-time cognitive workload, and tracked gaze fixation patterns to better understand human reaction and response.
“This and mapped visual attention distribution, evaluated cognitive workload thresholds, and analyzed workflow dynamics during high-tempo operational scenarios,” Amanda Szczublewski, ’s transition office program management specialist said.

For full story, visit: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-human-and-ai-command-and-control-teaming-experiment/

United States Air Force
United States Space Force
Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation ( )
Team Orlando

A recent two-week experiment tested how Airmen and Guardians can team with artificial intelligence to enhance command and control.