INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: MPRI
Interview with Rick Kiernan
Vice President, Strategic Communications
MPRI
Q: Tell us a little about MPRI’s business background and involvement with the military.
A: MPRI was founded in 1987 with the mission to contribute to the national defense and to utilize the talents and skills of America’s retired military community of professionals. The thesis was to bring together these professionals in an ethical, enjoyable and productive work environment where their collective power and productivity could make a substantive contribution to our country’s future.
Q: What design and other criteria do you consider when developing a new military simulator or other training device?
A: Our Simulations Group considers the following when developing a new simulator device: market viability, competitive landscape, ability to support and alignment with our existing technology, platforms and training capabilities. Our Training Technology Group considers the following when developing a new training device:
1. What are the Goals?
a. Cost effectiveness
Can we produce the desired product to accomplish the training objective at a price point that makes it both profitable for us and affordable to the intended customer?
b. Minimize Time
Can we produce the desired product to function in such a way that will reduce the overall time required for training?
c. Minimize Resources
Can we produce the desired product in such a way that it contributes to reducing training costs in terms of time, people, and dollars and increase efficiencies in training?
d. Support the Training Objective
What is the training objective which the simulation is being designed or improved to support?
2. Requirements of the operational and training environment
a. Operational requirements—qualification/ skills improvement
New simulation equipment must be designed with the focus of providing a positive contribution to more effectively and efficiently attain the training objective. Congruently, the equipment must be designed to address the specific capabilities necessary to increase the product’s longevity in the operational environment.
b. Within organizational regulations
Any simulator must be compatible with the end users parameters for safe utilization.
Q: How is MPRI’s military training and technology portfolio evolving in response to the global war on terror?
A: MPRI’s Laser Marksmanship Training System [LMTS] product line is focused on the basics of assisting marksmanship and small arms weapons-related tactical training. MPRI is continually seeking to improve existing products and develop new products to keep pace with technology, to respond to feedback from customers, and to keep pace with changes in the operational and training environment which may cause changes in the training objectives to which the device is intended to assist. The global war on terror is an example of such an operational environment on which we focus to ensure our training products remain relevant to training objectives.
Q: In 2000, MPRI was bought by L-3 Communications—a much larger corporate entity. What opportunities and challenges does such an acquisition present for the smaller training systems company?
A: L-3 provides MPRI the management and financial support for future investment and business development without adding any layers and bureaucracy. It also provides MPRI with the opportunity to partner with other L-3 businesses to leverage our collective resources and capabilities for innovative customer solutions.
Q: Discuss your international military training business.
A: MPRI’s LMTS products are relevant to marksmanship and other small arms weapons- related training regardless of domestic or international market.
Q: Can you share any things you are working on for the future?
A: Our newest simulation applications are within strategic civilian industries in which we are able to use our existing driver simulation platform technology. These industries include: concrete/ready mix, waste management, snowplow removal, transit, mining, small craft (military application) and train. We are also continually seeking to improve existing products and develop new products to keep pace with technology, to respond to feedback from customers, and to keep pace with changes in the operational and training environment which may cause changes in the training objectives to which the device is intended to assist.
Q: Any final thoughts for the military and industry communities?
A: At MPRI, our programs are created and designed by instructional design experts, engineers, trainers, educators and our customers. In addition to the manufacturing of simulators, our main focus is on training and this approach encompasses three modules: instructor led, computer based and simulation. Our products and services are available in a variety of configurations so that anyone can afford it. Also, MPRI is intent on improving existing products and developing new technologies for its line of products that will ultimately assist its customers in meeting their training objectives while sustaining quality and reliability. ♦