Calian has delivered training for the Canadian Army Simulation Centre (CASC) for over 30 years, adapting the approach to stay current with advancements in technology and warfare.

Modern military readiness is built long before soldiers arrive on the battlefield. It begins in training environments where commanders make decisions, crews operate complex systems and units learn to fight as integrated teams. 

 As operational environments become more complex, traditional training methods alone are no longer sufficient. Today’s armed forces require training environments that are scalable, realistic, data-driven and capable of preparing personnel for multi-domain operations. 

For the Canadian Army, synthetic training has become a cornerstone of readiness. By combining live, virtual and constructive (LVC) simulation technologies, the army can prepare soldiers and headquarters for demanding operational scenarios while reducing cost, increasing repetition and enhancing realism. Calian has played a significant role in supporting this evolution through decades of experience delivering simulation-enabled training for CASC.   

CASC is the centre of excellence for all simulation-based training for the Canadian Army. With headquarters in Kingston, CASC supports distributed training across the country, providing constructive simulation activity at every level of collective training.  

Calian provides CASC with an immersive synthetic training environment using a blend of constructive, virtual and live simulation.  From scenario development and scripting through to exercise design, development, delivery, after-action review and simulation support services, Calian supports a wide range of simulated training. This could mean supporting section and platoon-level activities one day and large brigade or divisional headquarters exercises the next. All activities are aligned to defined operational objectives and measurable training outcomes, ensuring simulation generates readiness rather than serving as an end in itself.

Why synthetic training matters

Military forces today operate in an environment defined by rapid technological change, contested information spaces, long-range precision effects, unmanned systems and increasingly integrated multi-domain operations. Training for these challenges requires more than classroom instruction and field exercises. 

Synthetic training environments provide a safe and cost-effective way to replicate operational conditions while exposing soldiers and commanders to realistic decision-making challenges. Virtual and constructive simulations enable units to rehearse complex scenarios, test plans, and develop tactical proficiency without the resource and cost burden associated with large-scale live exercises.   

The Canadian Army employs a range of simulation systems to support training at every level, from individual soldiers and crews to combat teams, brigade headquarters and divisional staff. These synthetic environments enable commanders to rehearse command and control, synchronize effects, coordinate logistics and respond to evolving threats in a realistic environment.  

A whole-of-life approach to training

Effective synthetic training is not simply about operating simulators. It requires a complete training lifecycle that transforms operational requirements into measurable training outcomes. 

Calian’s approach follows the well-established ADDIE methodology: analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. Training begins by identifying the objectives, audience, operational context and desired outcomes. Exercise designers then build scenarios and supporting materials before technical teams configure the required simulation environments. Once training is delivered, performance is assessed and lessons are captured to improve future exercises. Lessons identified are formally analyzed and exploited to refine future scenarios, OPFOR behaviours, training objectives and exercise design, creating a continuous improvement cycle that steadily enhances readiness outcomes. 

This structured methodology ensures that every training activity remains directly linked to operational readiness requirements rather than becoming an isolated simulation event. Evaluation criteria are established at the outset to measure performance improvement, readiness progression and achievement of mission-focused training objectives. 

Building realistic training environments

One of the greatest challenges in military training is creating realism. Soldiers learn best when faced with authentic operational dilemmas that force them to make decisions under pressure. 

Modern synthetic environments incorporate detailed terrain databases, realistic equipment representations, operational orders, intelligence products and dynamic scenario development. Training can be tailored to specific theatres, mission profiles and operational contexts, ensuring relevance to current and future requirements. Simulation specialists continuously update the environments to reflect changing operational requirements and ensure training remains relevant. This scalable and adaptable approach allows training environments to evolve alongside emerging threats, technological advancements and changing operational requirements. 

Equally important is the representation of a credible opposing force (OPFOR). Soldiers don’t learn by following scripted injects or rehearsing standard procedures. They learn by observing and responding to an adversary, interpreting its intent, adapting under pressure, and developing the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) they will take into operations.  

To deliver this level of realism, Calian models threat behaviours using current doctrine, lessons identified from contemporary conflicts and operational experience. These behaviours are validated by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and credibility. Drawing on extensive military and operational backgrounds, Calian’s specialists create challenging and immersive training events that test decision-making, enhance readiness and help personnel develop the skills required for operational success. 

Connecting live, virtual and constructive training

The true power of modern synthetic training lies in the ability to combine multiple simulation methods into a single training environment. 

Live training places soldiers in the field using real equipment. Virtual simulations support crews and operators in realistic digital environments. Constructive simulations represent higher headquarters, opposing forces, logistics networks and broader operational effects. 

When these elements are integrated, commanders and soldiers can train together in a shared operational context. A brigade headquarters can conduct command-and-control activities while virtual crews, live field participants and constructive simulations all contribute to the same exercise narrative. By integrating federated simulation environments with operational command-and-control systems and information flows, Calian enables personnel to train using the same decision cycles, processes and battle rhythms they will employ during operations, reinforcing the train-as-you-will-fight principle. 

For the Canadian Army, this federated approach enables training at scale while maximizing the value of available resources. Distributed simulation networks also allow participants to train from multiple locations simultaneously, creating highly realistic collective training opportunities without requiring all personnel to be physically co-located.

Looking ahead 

Synthetic training will continue to evolve as emerging technologies create new opportunities for military preparedness. Artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, immersive virtual reality, augmented reality and increasingly sophisticated simulation environments will further enhance realism and training effectiveness. 

At the same time, there will continue to be increased integration between operational systems and synthetic environments. The ability to “train as you will fight,” using the same command systems, information flows and decision-making processes that will be used during operations, will become even more important. 

For the Canadian Army, synthetic training is no longer a supplement to readiness; it is a critical component of readiness itself. Through integrated training development, advanced simulation technologies, interoperability solutions and rigorous after-action analysis, synthetic training environments enable soldiers, commanders and headquarters to prepare for increasingly complex operational challenges. 

The result is a more agile, more capable, and more deadly force, prepared not only for today’s missions, but for the demands of tomorrow’s battlefield.