From Classroom to Command: How the NPS MOVES Institute Uses Simulation to Prepare Future Military Leaders

In the world of defense training and education, the gap between theory and practice can be tough to bridge. At the Naval Postgraduate School’s MOVES Institute, that gap is being closed every day with the help of MAK ONE.

As part of their graduate programs in Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation, MOVES students are, of course, learning the theory behind military training systems. They’re also designing and running simulations that mirror the tactical and strategic challenges they’ll face in real-world command and control environments across the Department of Defense. At the heart of that hands-on experience is the MAK ONE suite of simulation software, including VR-Forces, VR-Link, and VR-Exchange. 

These MAK ONE tools allow students to build dynamic scenarios, explore complex decision-making processes, and connect multiple simulation systems to analyze outcomes—critical skills for those preparing to lead simulation and training programs within their respective services.

A faculty member at MOVES, Mr. Chris Fitzpatrick, who introduced MAK ONE to the curriculum, explains: “MAK ONE is integral to our program. Students hone technical skills, design realistic scenarios, and make informed decisions in a safe environment, preparing them to lead with confidence.”

This kind of immersive, hands-on training is foundational for future leaders who will be responsible for safely and effectively training others using simulation, especially in an era where distributed, virtual, and AI-driven training environments are becoming the norm. As wargaming and C2 planning increasingly rely on interoperable, data-rich simulation environments, programs like MOVES are setting the standard for what military leadership preparation can look like.

Want to learn more about how MAK ONE supports simulation training, wargaming, and C2 planning? Read the full NPS customer success story, and reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how we can bring your training and simulation visions to life.

Learn more about the NPS MOVES Institute.