Distributed learning (DL) applications will increase and become a major component of military training. MIMIC develops courseware that provides leaders and their soldiers the ability to leverage valuable training resources to maximize training time for the Army. Training is the key to readiness and MIMIC-developed Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) is a great training mechanism any place, any time.

Mission
The mission of the Military Interactive Multimedia Instruction Center (MIMIC) is to develop Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) for Web-based and CD-ROM delivery using Rapid Application Development (RAD) techniques for custom-based courseware.

Goals

• Develop and produce quality IMI while providing guidance and assistance to our partners.
• Collaborate with other agencies and activities in the establishment of courseware standards.
• Provide consultation and training on distributed learning issues.
• Investigate technology and trends while maintaining expertise in a rapidly changing environment.
• Ensure IMI is produced in accordance with established TRADOC and TADLP standards.

Background and Capabilities

• MIMIC has been producing quality courseware for more than seven years, four of which were under DARPA Project SIMITAR. In this time, our team has developed more than 725 hours of Interactive Multimedia Instruction.
• Although its primary focus remains to support the Guard, MIMIC has the expertise and the capacity to assist other Army and DoD clients fulfill their DL requirements.
• Our process ensures rapidly prototyped and produced quality courseware.
• MIMIC and its partners are currently producing an additional 425 hours of IMI for Web and/or CD-ROM delivery.
• We convert the paper-based Total Army Training Systems (TATS) lessons into high quality IMI.
• MIMIC supports The Army Distance Learning Program (TADLP) and OSD Advanced Distributed Learning Program (ADLP).

Benefits
Both active and reserve military components benefit from MIMIC, a National Guard Bureau (NGB) sponsored organization. TRADOC provides DL funds through the Army proponent schools for the courseware development, while NGB provides management oversight, operational funding and full-time personnel as Subject Matter Advisors (SMAs). MIMIC SMAs monitor and support IMI development and ensure the focus, quality, and quantity of courseware. By using SMAs, MIMIC is able to raise the standards for presentation and overall quality to the highest possible level, which means the best possible training for our soldiers.

MIMIC History
MIMIC grew out of the SIMITAR team's IMI efforts at Fort Benning before it ended on 30 September 1997. Near the end of the SIMITAR project, the NGB recognized the need for an IMI development center to provide a standard for IMI development, management, cost, and product quality. At the same time, TRADOC began to recognize the growing need for IMI. Their experience allowed the SIMITAR team to institute the best practices in Camp Dodge. The NGB Training Division officially adopted MIMIC as one of their Virtual Office sites on 1 October 1997, accepted responsibility and management functions, and moved the unit to Camp Dodge, Iowa.

MIMIC supports IMI development for several U.S. Army Commands and the USMC. Associations have grown to include the Quartermaster, Ordnance, Transportation, Engineer, Chemical, Sergeants Major Academy, ATSC, Command and General Staff College, Aviation Logistics, Reserve Officer Training Corps, Communications and Electronics Command, and the Director of Military Support. With over 1000 hours of IMI developed, MIMIC continues to represent the best qualities of the SIMITAR initiative and the Army National Guard.