CONGRESSIONAL MODELING & SIMULATION CAUCUS
Congressman J. Randy Forbes, Chairman

May 2007

Virginia Delegation Represents M&S Caucus at Second Annual National Summit

Congressman Randy Forbes, Congresswoman Thelma Drake, and Congressman Bobby Scott attended and shared remarks at the Second Annual National M&S Summit in Chesapeake, Virginia on February 26, 2007. The event brought over 260 attendees from almost 20 different states to discuss key policy issues facing the M&S industry. The gathering of leaders from industry, academia, and government was uniquely focused on M&S concerns with regard to public policy.

At the summit, Congressman Forbes announced his intention to introduce a Congressional resolution that highlights the importance of M&S and encourages the coordination and investment in M&S education. Further, the resolution will celebrate past contributions of M&S to the United States and also urge the Administration to address some of the obstacles that could impede the innovation of the M&S industry. The resolution will be introduced during the month of May.

Roundtable discussion groups at the Summit were divided into four categories: Industrial Development, Business Practice, Professional Development, and Technology. The roundtable discussions led to initial recommendations for the M&S Caucus to advance during the 110th Congress. These recommendations were presented in preliminary form to the caucus members who were present that day.

Rear Admiral Fred Lewis, U.S. Navy (retired), the President of NTSA, concluded the summit with a discussion of M&S as a national enterprise and committed to working on the proposals exclusive of Congressional action.

The Caucus will continue to work together with M&S leaders to implement the agenda recommendations being formulated by the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA). The recommendations are being finalized by NTSA over the coming weeks and soon will be presented to caucus members on Capitol Hill.

Mark Your Calendars

May 8-9, 2007

 Advanced Initiatives in Medical Simulation 4th Annual Conference & Exhibition

Tuesday, May 8, Daniel K. Inouye Auditorium, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Forest Glen Annex

Wednesday, May 9, Capitol Hill

For more information, click here.

July 19, 2007

Second Annual Congressional Modeling & Simulation Expo

345 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

More information to follow!

M&S In the News 

Congressman calls command modeling and simulation hub

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Axtell, USJFCOM Public Affairs

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Congressional Modeling & Simulation Training Caucus chairman, Rep. J. Randy Forbes praised U.S. Joint Forces Command and their efforts in the modeling and simulation industry Monday. To read more,  click here.

Modeling and simulation industry wants 'critical' status

By Jon W. Glass, The Virginian-Pilot

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Industry members want Congress to declare computer modeling and simulation a national critical technology. First, however, there's something more basic at hand - explaining what it's all about. To read more, click here.

U.S. Joint Forces Command Effects Military Transformation

By Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A U.S. military combatant command with headquarters in Norfolk, Va., is helping warfighters worldwide think and fight jointly to win the war against terrorism, a senior U.S. military officer told the House Armed Services Committee at a hearing here today. To read more, click here.

Modeling & Simulation e-newsletter

Join the Modeling and Simulation Caucus email newsletter list by signing up online at http://randyforbes.house.gov. In addition, you can stay informed by reading past issues online as well.