Orlando, Fla., USA — Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), a global developer of advanced military simulation and training software, is proud to announce that John Givens, President-Americas of BISim Inc., has been recognized by Military Simulation & Training magazine for his longtime contributions to the simulation and training industry with the 2018 Pioneer Award.
The Pioneer Award recognizes “individuals who have demonstrated and continue to demonstrate outstanding and significant technical and social leadership.” The MS&T Industry Awards for excellence in Defense Simulation and Training (S&T) are presented annually to companies and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the training and effectiveness of U.S. and overseas soldiers, sailors and airmen: our warfighters.
“John is true pioneer in the simulation and training community, and was among the first to help the U.S. Army leverage the value of game-based technologies for the simulation and training community,” said Arthur Alexion, BISim’s Co-CEO. “BISim wouldn't be in the position we are today without his energy, determination and own unique brand of charm.”
Following graduation from the Florida Institute of Technology and an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army, John specialized in managing information and security data centers and product development in both the software and hardware domains. John used his experience with information technology, security information management, and product development to tackle true Live, Virtual and Constructive integration problems in the military simulation field.
John created the first live, virtual, constructive and gaming simulation displayed at I/ITSEC 2004. He identified six technologies from five companies and integrated them into a single trainer. The system was later used to define simulation capabilities for part-task trainers as well as collective trainers. From 2004 to 2009, John leveraged his military experience to created the first desktop convoy training simulator for the U.S. Army using gaming technology that was used to augment live exercise management at Fort Eustis.
John was appointed as President of Bohemia Interactive Simulations Inc. in 2010 and established the BISim Orlando office, which has now grown to more than 60 employees. John managed the distribution of VBS3 to the U.S. Army, which they have chosen to be the flagship of their Games for Training program, and to the U.S. Marine Corps.
As part of John’s work with the U.S. Army, he also identified the value that VBS3 and gaming technology would provide the U.S. Army on the Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT). CCTT supports the virtual training of infantry, armor, mechanized infantry, cavalry and armored reconnaissance units from the squad through battalion/squadron level, to include their staffs.
The system integration was difficult as many of the legacy systems were not able to display the full capabilities VBS3 provided. Acting as Program Manager, John Givens was instrumental in coordinating between the PEO STRI CCTT Program Office, the prime contractor AVT Simulation and BISim. The result of the integration was a product now called VBS IG, which is still positively disrupting the industry by redefining the way simulators display on an image generator. VBS IG has saved the U.S. military millions of dollars while providing enhanced training capability for CCTT.
To learn more about the Simulation & Training Awards, visit https://militarysimulation.training/air/mst-industry-awards-excellence.
BOHEMIA INTERACTIVE SIMULATIONS
Founded in 2001, Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) is a global software company at the forefront of simulation and training solutions for defense and civilian organizations. Our mission is to harness the explosive potential of technology to revolutionize training and simulation.
BISim utilizes the latest game-based technology and a large, experienced in-house team of engineers to develop high-fidelity, cost-effective training and simulation software products and components for defense applications.