WARPIG
01-24-2006, 08:30 PM
I have recently been re-assigned to a new duty position. I now am in the S-3 or OPS section of an Infantry unit. I am now responsible for the operations and training of the soldiers in my unit. I have been and will be taking classes on the various training aids available to use during the training year. I must say I am impressed. For all of you video gamers, pay attention. This stuff is cool. The scenarios are endless. I can put my guys through every thing from defense or ambush combat scenarios to "shoot/don't shoot" scenarios.
EST 2000
This is a virtual training aid that uses weapon simulators and a large video screen to train every thing from weapons qualification to conflict scenarios. Basically, a weapon such as the M4, M249, or even a small Mortar is gutted and re-outfitted with a laser, sensors, and moving parts that simulate recoil by way of compressed air. You kick on the training scenario and fire away. It is like a big XBOX but with realistic weapons and sound. I will try and include some photos when I get a chance. I think this is an older version and some new versions are already out.
LCATS
This is a newer version of training aid that uses similar laser equipment as the MILES but with pop up targets. I can take a laptop, and the LCATS kit and turn any room, landmark or even vehicle into a laser feedback target group. A small laser unit is attatched to the corresponding weapon (M4) for example, and the pop up target assemlies are set up (in a building) and blanks are issued to the soldier. Soldiers are able to engage the targets with blanks and results are then recorded. I can even pull DC power from a cigarette lighter in a vehicle. So, a couple of targets, laptop, and a driver, and I can set up a drive by scenario, or an ambush scenarion on the side of a road.
I will go to train on another system that simulates weapon engagements from mounted vehicle systems next month. I love the new toys. (New to me) the money saved by being able to train virtually is outstanding. I can run my soldiers through the virtual training, then the LCATS, and then force on force using miles, and finally some live fire excercises.
Anyone else have any experience? What kind of similar training aids do other countries use?
EST 2000
This is a virtual training aid that uses weapon simulators and a large video screen to train every thing from weapons qualification to conflict scenarios. Basically, a weapon such as the M4, M249, or even a small Mortar is gutted and re-outfitted with a laser, sensors, and moving parts that simulate recoil by way of compressed air. You kick on the training scenario and fire away. It is like a big XBOX but with realistic weapons and sound. I will try and include some photos when I get a chance. I think this is an older version and some new versions are already out.
LCATS
This is a newer version of training aid that uses similar laser equipment as the MILES but with pop up targets. I can take a laptop, and the LCATS kit and turn any room, landmark or even vehicle into a laser feedback target group. A small laser unit is attatched to the corresponding weapon (M4) for example, and the pop up target assemlies are set up (in a building) and blanks are issued to the soldier. Soldiers are able to engage the targets with blanks and results are then recorded. I can even pull DC power from a cigarette lighter in a vehicle. So, a couple of targets, laptop, and a driver, and I can set up a drive by scenario, or an ambush scenarion on the side of a road.
I will go to train on another system that simulates weapon engagements from mounted vehicle systems next month. I love the new toys. (New to me) the money saved by being able to train virtually is outstanding. I can run my soldiers through the virtual training, then the LCATS, and then force on force using miles, and finally some live fire excercises.
Anyone else have any experience? What kind of similar training aids do other countries use?