Virtual Reality Combat Simulator Trains Soldiers for IED Threats

Strategic Insights -

Soldiers from the Provincial Reconstruction Team Kapisa (PRT Kapisa) recently trained on a new virtual reality combat simulator at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center. The simulator, designed by R.L. Leaders, simulates realistic scenarios of mounted combat, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), to help Soldiers better deal with the number one killer in the contemporary operating environment in Afghanistan. The system replicates conditions such as smoke, noise, poor visibility, and physically jarring explosions, allowing Soldiers to practice troop-leading procedures, night training, and medical evacuation reporting.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Counter-IED Collective and Individual Mounted Training Program uses a virtual reality combat simulator to train Soldiers on realistic scenarios of IED threats.
  • The simulator was designed to replicate conditions such as smoke, noise, poor visibility, and physically jarring explosions, all within the confines of safety.
  • Soldiers can practice troop-leading procedures, night training, mobility kills, reporting unexploded ordinance, and medical evacuation reporting among other things.
  • The simulator provides a digital recording of the entire training scenario, allowing Soldiers to review and improve their performance.
  • Lt. Col. Eric K. Shafa, commander of PRT Kapisa, praised the simulator, saying it is "more realistic than anything I've seen before" and helps prepare Soldiers for the scenarios they may encounter in Afghanistan.
  • Spc. Darren J. Ganier-Slotterbeck, a civil affairs specialist, credited the simulator with providing a realistic depiction of the IED threat and praised its ability to help Soldiers develop situational awareness.

Statistics:

  • Since 2003, 1st Army East has been responsible for training Soldiers deploying through Camp Atterbury.
  • The new simulator trains Soldiers on realistic scenarios of mounted combat, including IED threats.
  • The system provides a digital recording of each training scenario, allowing Soldiers to review and improve their performance.
  • Approximately 1,000 Soldiers from PRT Kapisa trained on the simulator.
  • The simulator has been designed to be cost-effective, allowing units to add variables to scenarios without needing to resource additional equipment.

Sources:

  • U.S. Army website
  • Staff Sgt. Matt Scotten, Atterbury-Muscatatuck Public Affairs
  • R.L. Leaders company website
  • Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center public affairs office
  • 1st Army East public affairs office