DoD Innovation Community Technology Showcase: Transforming Pilot Training

Dennis Wikoff

Dennis Wikoff

Dennis Wikoff is President and COO of Vertex Solutions. He has more than 30 years of senior management experience, including training technology systems integration, Advanced Distributed Learning, gaming, and modeling/simulation. During his tenure with Vertex Solutions, Dennis has overseen business development, enterprise learning system assessments, and technology integration. Prior to joining Vertex Solutions, Dennis was an officer in the Air Force, where he was Operations Manager of the Aero Ballistics Research Facility and Program Manager in the B2 Systems Program Office.

Justin Johnson

Justin Johnson

Justin Johnson is Head of Strategy for Metrea. He is responsible for leading the strategy team, which includes Strategy Development, Research, and Strategic Engagement. Justin previously served in the Pentagon, performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. Prior to this position, Justin served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense, responsible for advising the Secretary on a range of issues including space, budget, reform, and Department management. Previously, Justin served as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. His prior roles include special assistant for the Under Secretary of Defense for Comptroller/CFO, senior policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation, and over a decade in national security staff positions in Congress.

Justin holds a Masters of Arts in National Security from the U.S. Naval War College and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Covenant College.

Captain Michael “Gandalf” Blumberg

Captain Michael "GANDALF" Blumberg recently served as a primary phase instructor pilot at Laughlin AFB. In his role as Chief of Tactics, he was pivotal in developing new instructional paradigms for both students and instructors, significantly enhancing the training experience with emerging technologies. His expertise and innovative approaches has earned him subject matter expert roles at t, Detachment 24 and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), to critically evaluate and consult on simulation software and hardware, thereby advancing training technologies. His academic achievements are highlighted by his graduation from the Department of the Air Force MIT Phantom Fellowship, during which he conducted AI research with MIT Lincoln Lab, investigating artificial intelligence's potential to revolutionize defense strategies. Currently, Captain Blumberg is refining his skills in the T38C, diligently preparing for his transition to the F16 Viper at Kelly Field JBSA, underscoring his continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation in aviation.

Major Brandon “Trap” Wilde

Major Brandon “Trap” Wilde

Major Brandon “Trap” Wilde is currently working at Detachment 24 as the Program Manager for Immersive Training Devices for Fighter Bomber Fundamentals (FBF).  This role involves working with industry partners to shape how and where these devices can be used in training, as well as ultimately making a recommendation to Air Force decision makers about the next steps of integration for the FBF training solution.  He has almost 5 years as a T-38C Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals Instructor Pilot and previously flew the F-22A.