Our military men and women put their lives on the line not just when they serve overseas, but here at home. Even training exercises can be life-threatening, as seen last month when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed in the Panhandle, killing 11 servicemen.

In Orlando, Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training facility creates state-of-the-art simulators for our military to ensure success and save lives.

Driving through a simulated village, the convoy moves like it would on a real dirt road. The driver must access each corner, searching for any threats like explosive devices or insurgents.

In one simulator room, a trainee can take control of a M2 .50-caliber machine gun. The gun is heavy and has quite a kick as it fires blanks. In this exercise, one can learn how to evade a threat or take action.

It tests your senses, reflexes and knowledge of the vehicle and weapon, all in preparation for when military men and women go into combat.

"We can put them into those very demanding situations, but do it in complete control and safety of a simulator," said David Scott, Lockheed Martin's vice president of business development.

At the Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Training facility in Orlando, engineers create simulators that are exact replicas of weapons, vehicles and aircraft.

"A simulator can cost maybe one-tenth or even less of whatever that takes to buy and to operate," Scott said.

The latest fighter jet that is just months away from becoming operational in the Marine Corps is the F-35. Outfitted with sophisticated sensors, it is difficult to see on radar. But what sets it apart from the rest is its ability to perform vertical takeoffs and landings. Each one costs around $100 million.

"These are not cheap assets," Scott said.

So, to take on the responsibility of a single-seat airplane, there is no room for an instructor to take over. That's why 72 percent of the training for this aircraft is done in a simulator that can only be found in the classified area of Lockheed Martin.

"Training and simulation is about preparing the men and women who are going to defend our nation in the best possible fashion," Scott said.