From Virtual to Real-World Readiness at the Military Simulation Training Summit

The U.S. military is continuously modernizing and preparing its soldiers for the complexities of future warfare, and simulation and synthetic training environments have become central to building troop readiness. IDGA’s Military Simulation Training Summit, returning to Orlando, FL on February 24–25, 2026, will support the U.S. military’s mission by bringing together leaders from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and allied nations to explore the latest trends shaping simulation training. This year’s program will focus on advancing interoperability, leveraging emerging technologies, and evolving training methods to meet the demands of multi-domain and coalition operations. At the helm of this year’s summit is Brigadier General William R. Glaser (Ret.), the only simulation officer promoted to general in the US Army and former Director of

the Synthetic Training Environment Cross Functional Team (STE CFT). A decorated armor officer and simulation expert, Brig. Gen. Glaser brings unparalleled understanding through 30+ years of military leadership in operations, training, and simulation organizations. Throughout his distinguished career, he has integrated technology, training, and operational readiness—from leading soldiers in Iraq to directing the National Simulation Center. As STE CFT Director, he transformed Army training by developing synthetic capabilities replicating modern warfare complexities. He now serves as the Chief Growth Officer for AVT Simulation.

In this pre-conference interview, Brig. Gen. Glaser discusses how multinational collaboration enhances training integration, what lessons the simulation community can draw from real-world conflicts like Ukraine, and why synthetic environments are vital to ensuring that no Soldier ever cries out, “if only I had proper training.”