Virtual Training Revolutionizes Army Learning

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Army is leveraging cutting-edge technology to create immersive, realistic, and dynamic learning environments for Soldiers. Virtual Battle Space 2 (VBS2), a simulation system, has been networked across multiple schoolhouses, enabling students in different career fields to train together on a common mission in a simulated environment. This revolutionary approach to training is in line with the Army's "Army Learning Concept 2015" (ALC 2015) initiative, which aims to improve the Army learning model by leveraging technology without sacrificing standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • The VBS2 system has been networked across multiple schoolhouses, allowing students in different career fields to train together on a common mission in a simulated environment.
  • The technology is designed to improve the Army learning model by leveraging technology without sacrificing standards, as per the Army's "Army Learning Concept 2015" (ALC 2015) initiative.
  • The simulation provides realistic training for Soldiers, which is essential for their success in theater.
  • The networked simulation is augmented with information coming off wireless iPads, replicating current Army battle-command systems.
  • The simulator uses photorealistic images of the AH-64 Apache and allows Soldiers to virtually approach the aircraft from all sides, and open panels to access what's inside.
  • The virtual trainer has been used by about 200 Soldiers, who have cut their teeth on the system before trying what they've learned on the actual aircraft.
  • The trainer has been shown to improve Soldiers' comfort level with troubleshooting and maintenance tasks, making them more effective in the field.

Statistics:

  • The VBS2 system has been networked across 3 schoolhouses: Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Ala.; Army Fires COE at Fort Sill, Okla.; and Army Maneuver COE at Fort Benning, Ga.
  • The simulation displayed multiple flat-panel displays, showing conference attendees what was being seen by the Soldiers who were participating.
  • The software driving the simulation, the VBS2 system, has been around for years now.
  • The time saved by training first on the simulator is significant, allowing Soldiers to focus on more complex tasks.
  • The system has been used for about 6 months now, with approximately 200 Soldiers having cut their teeth on the system before trying what they've learned on the actual aircraft.

Sources:

  • US Army
  • Lt. Col. Craig Unrath, deputy director, simulation directorate, at Fort Rucker, Ala., Army Aviation COE
  • Capt. Michael Ferriter, a student at the Maneuvers COE Captains Course
  • Capt. Scott Davis, a student in the Maneuvers COE Captains Course
  • Lt. Col. Mark Teixeira, director of the Department of Training, Plans and Evaluation at the U.S. Army Aviation Logistics School at Fort Eustis, Va.
  • Staff Sgt. David Dunlap, an instructor at the United States Army Aviation Logistics School, Fort Eustis, Va.