Alion Science & Technology has agreed to provide simulation tools that will help train US soldiers in counter IED (Improvised Explosive Device) techniques.
The simulators are slated for deployment by the Army's joint training counter improvised explosive device (C-IED) operations integration center (JTCOIC). Alion, as a subcontractor to BAE Systems, operates the systems integration modeling and simulations (SIMS) directorate within JTCOIC. The directorate offers animated renderings of actual IED events by utilising a variety of analytical tools, physics-based constructive simulations and gaming software.
 "The goal of this programme is to give deploying soldiers a realistic view of the current situation in the field. In just a few days, we translate actual battlefield information into video simulations for classroom and field training," said Dick Brooks, Alion senior VP and manager of the distributed simulation group. "The videos provide accurate re-creations of the enemy's most recent tactics as well as how our forces responded, which can benefit both soldiers and commanders. This programme helps soldiers train with the latest information, which makes the training more relevant to current field conditions."
As The News previously reported, simulations provide a safe, realistic and interactive training platform for the 21st century soldier. Indeed, a number of companies have developed simulators for the US armed forces, including Intelligence Gaming (IG), which designed an immersive cultural simulation (ICS) project used to prepare American troops for overseas deployment.
ICS, based on Reality V, is powered by a customised Adobe Flash Player 10 capable of running on multiple platforms, or in enhanced mode with a head-mounted display. The programme, which offers 360-degrees of video and eight binaural audio channels, allows users to interact with actors recorded in high-definition digital media. Trainees navigating their virtual environment are able to fully observe live action content that influences decision making in the field.
"The simulation includes a carefully formulated plot with a realistic cast of characters that unfolds over multiple chapters," explained IG CTO Rick Schmidt. "Although ICS is a training programme, it provides an entertaining, yet emotional story similar to the popular Band of Brothers television mini-series. User immersion in an environment populated with memorable characters provides as close to living a real experience as one can get. Reality V technology delivers an experience second only to being there."
|