Case Study: ICT Talent Simulation Capability Support

Client: Joint Collective Training Branch (JCTB)

Project: ICT Talent Simulation Capability Support

HQJOC J7 is responsible for delivering high quality, innovative, timely and focused live, virtual, and constructive joint collective training in order to ensure that directed Australian Defence Force elements are prepared to achieve success. 

Situation

The Joint Collective Training Branch (JCTB) within HQJOC J7 plays a critical role in ensuring ADF elements are prepared for operations through simulation-based training exercises. Major exercises such as one involving approximately 1,200 ADF personnel and coalition forces from the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand, test operational command and control in complex conflict scenarios. Profectus is tasked with maintaining HQJOC J7’s ICT infrastructure to support such exercises, providing the systems and operational continuity required for successful command simulations. 

Task

Profectus is responsible for supplying 25 skilled personnel in ICT roles to support HQJOC J7’s training environments, ensuring readiness for high-end exercises like VP. This involves managing networks, storage, and system configurations, adhering to ITSM standards, and overseeing the transition from JIRA to the ServiceNow platform. Profectus’s task extends to recruiting, training, and retaining qualified personnel to meet Defence’s stringent criteria, with a focus on Development and Implementation, Skills and Quality, and Delivery and Operation. 

Action 

Profectus deploys experts tasked with configuring and maintaining HQJOC J7’s ICT infrastructure, supporting technical functions essential for exercises. Network teams handle network configurations, device deployments, and firewall settings, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity in simulated conflict environments. The systems team administers computational resources and storage solutions, utilising technologies such as Cisco IOS, NetApp storage, and VMware for virtualisation. 

For major exercises where coalition command and control functions are paramount, Profectus’s personnel manage the ongoing development and deployment of infrastructure to meet the high-intensity, multi-national requirements of HQJOC J7’s training objectives.  

Profectus performs rigorous testing and quality assurance to validate HQJOC J7’s ICT infrastructure before live deployment, including network load testing, security vulnerability assessments, and application compatibility checks. Both automated and manual testing ensure systems function under high-stress conditions, with continuous monitoring and real-time adjustments made during exercises to maintain performance. All configurations adhere to Defence standards, with detailed documentation covering settings, access levels, and troubleshooting steps. This documentation supports continuity, training, compliance, and provides HQJOC J7 with a comprehensive resource for managing and evolving their ICT infrastructure. 

Profectus applies rigorous recruitment standards to ensure that personnel are equipped with the necessary qualifications and certifications to support HQJOC J7’s ICT needs. Candidates are evaluated on technical skills, security clearances, and alignment with Defence’s organisational culture. Regular training keeps the team’s skills current, ensuring they meet the operational standards required by the ICT environments. 

Profectus’s personnel meet strict certification requirements, including ITIL, PRINCE2, Microsoft Certified Professional, Cisco (CCNA, CCNP), VMware, Red Hat, and ServiceNow. These certifications confirm our technical competency, supporting Defence’s operational and training needs. Profectus prioritises upskilling and offers ongoing services, which include performance management and continuous improvement practices to ensure alignment with Defence’s evolving standards. This dedication to workforce development and quality management has helped Profectus consistently meet Defence’s high standards for skill level and compatibility. 

Profectus provides consistent operational support to HQJOC J7, ensuring ICT environments are prepared and maintained for each training exercise and Event Functional Test (EFT). Over the past 24 months, every exercise and EFT supported by Profectus’s resources has been a success, demonstrating our capability. 

During exercise and its associated testing, Profectus’s Network Engineers ensured secure, high-bandwidth connections that were critical for communications. Systems Administrators and Engineers implemented robust Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) protocols, enhancing security and maintaining essential infrastructure. Our Joint Simulation Application Architects & Developers (JSAAD) experts guaranteed application deployment and interoperability, creating a unified and efficient simulation environment that allowed seamless command and control operations. 

The ITSM team managed the logistical aspects and systems sustainment crucial to Defence’s operational capabilities. They raised and managed tickets in JIRA, ensuring streamlined tracking of incidents and requests. Incident Management was conducted to swiftly resolve any issues, minimising downtime and maintaining system integrity during high-intensity exercises. Change Control processes, including participation in Change Advisory Board (CAB) meetings, ensured that all modifications were thoroughly vetted and aligned with Defence’s standards. Request Management allowed Profectus to handle specific service requests promptly, contributing to operational efficiency and smooth exercise execution. 

Post-exercise reviews were conducted to assess performance, document insights, and continuously adapt and improve Defence’s operational capabilities. This structured approach ensures that lessons learned from each exercise are applied to future operations, reinforcing HQJOC J7’s readiness and resilience in coalition-based scenarios. 

Result

Through Profectus’s support, HQJOC J7 has consistently achieved operational readiness and efficiency across all training exercises and Event Functional Tests (EFTs). Profectus’s commitment to maintaining robust ICT infrastructure and qualified personnel, has led to the execution of complex simulation environments. This ongoing support has not only met Defence’s stringent standards but has also reinforced HQJOC J7’s resilience and operational capability, strengthening trust with stakeholders and enabling continuous improvement through post-exercise reviews and adaptive practices. 

During exercise, Profectus played an integral role in the successful execution of one of HQJOC J7’s largest coalition-based simulations. The successful delivery of VP showcased Profectus’s technical and operational expertise.