Virtual Training Puts the Real in Realistic Environment

(From U.S. Army)—In a warehouse looking much like a laser tag game room, nine Soldiers gear up with flip down goggle mounts, sensors strapped to their arms and legs, and each carries a computer-enhanced weapon system. Just five years ago, this scenario may have only been seen in a video game. Today, virtual training environments are a reality.

The Dismounted Soldier Training System, or DSTS, and Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 are two virtual training tools that are quickly becoming the norm for Soldiers of the 157th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division East, in training deploying units at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ind.

"One of the best parts of the DSTS is that we can create any operational environment, for our training in a virtual environment. It does not replace training, but it can add to it. We can bring the terrain of Afghanistan to the Soldier. It's hard to imagine a mountainous terrain in Indiana, but the DSTS can create it," said Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hammond, Operations, 157th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division East.

Hammond and his team recently participated in a DSTS session to learn the capabilities offered at the Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center virtual simulation centers. Geared up and ready to engage in a building entry exercise, the nine-man squad immediately encountered and reacted to enemy fire. With one member quickly disabled, the team had to quickly adjust tactics, techniques, and procedures, and continue their mission.

"Providing the most realistic and relevant training is the benchmark for success in First Army Division East when training Soldiers for worldwide deployments. Our job is to replicate situations in which the Soldier will face and to create an environment to rehearse repetitively at the squad or team level," said Capt. Marcus Long, 157th Infantry Brigade training officer.

Each Soldier stands on a four-foot diameter rubber pad. This pad is the center of a 10-foot by 10-foot training area for each squad member, and the pad ensures Soldiers remain in a specific area within the training suite. Soldiers can see and hear the virtual environment and also communicate with members of the squad using a helmet-mounted display with headphone / microphone set.

"A Soldier uses his body to perform maneuvers, such as walking or throwing a hand grenade, by physically making those actions. The sensors capture the Soldier's movements, and those movements are translated to control the Soldier's avatar within the simulation," explained Matthew Roell, DSTS operator.

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