Virtual convoy, IED training helps Soldiers worldwide (Tech Helps Save Lives)

ARNEWS ^ | July 26, 2005 | Monca Berrera

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 26, 2005) – The Army has fielded 125 simulation trainers for the detection of improvised explosive devices and to teach other advanced skills needed for tactical convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan.

These training devices include virtual theaters, simulators, and mobile objects devised by the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation.

Dr. Jim Blake, Program Executive Officer for STRI said understanding the requirements and capabilities wanted from Soldiers is what will optimize the effectiveness of the training and equipment.

“Now with the expeditionary capability, there is going to be a desire to move these things very rapidly, just like you move the force,” he said.

STRI is now producing the next 600 simulators after receiving feedback from Soldiers. There are 200,000 to 250,000 troops participating in the training or involved in training fellow Soldiers on the current 125 located from Fort Bragg, N.C., to Afghanistan.

IED simulators provide an asymmetric environment, said Blake. “There is this complexity you have to deal with,” he said. “…to prosecute the war on many fronts.”

The leading cause of causalities in Iraq is IEDs. The simulations training will help Soldiers identify, handle, and dispose of the explosives safely, Blake said.

The training has been well received by Soldiers worldwide. “There are different ways in which you can detonate them and configure them because it’s hands-on,” explained Blake. “[Soldiers] can gain an understanding of how our adversary may construct one and how one might be hidden.” The training also lets the Soldiers know when an explosion occurred, but they do not get injured.

Soldiers are immersed into a virtual environment when training on the Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer.

“The training scenarios immerse Soldiers into a variety of real-life situations,” states a report by Sara Delk-Tierney at the Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training, and Support Center, which works with PEO STRI. “…Thus providing the Soldier and convoy leaders with the skills necessary to save lives.”

Basic VCCT training includes mission rehearsals, convoy handling, as well as recognition of IEDs.

Currently, there are more than 318,964 training devices for Soldiers at 414 worldwide stations and 20 foreign countries ranging from Camp Shelby, Miss. to Baghdad, Iraq. PEO STRI, located in Orlando, Fla., is a partnership between with the Kennedy Space Center, National Center for Simulation, among others.

“The Acquisition community is leaning forward to help the Soldiers,” said Blake. “If there’s a way to get it there, we’ll get it there.”

[SandRat]

Science helping save Soldier's lives ping

[Calpernia]

The Army has fielded 125 simulation trainers for the detection of improvised explosive devices and to teach other advanced skills needed for tactical convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan.

These training devices include virtual theaters, simulators, and mobile objects devised by the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!