JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON –
Live training cannot always be conducted due to time or money constraints, but thanks to the Dismounted Soldier Training System at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston's Mission Training Complex, it can be replicated.
The system is a cutting-edge training tool that enables Soldiers to train in a virtual environment, increasing the quality of instruction and combat preparedness, while reducing traditional expenses associated with large-scale training facilities.
The virtual training system is transforming the way Soldiers train - creating a more realistic environment, increasing combat readiness and significantly reducing the traditional expenses associated with large-scale training facilities.
With DSTS, Soldiers use natural motions to perform complex maneuvers, such as leaning around or crouching under obstacles. It enables leaders to plan and execute individual and collective tasks in a challenging virtual environment, where squads or teams can conduct multiple iterations to achieve training objectives and maximize training time.
It also allows training in various operational themes, including major combat operations, counter-roadside bomb operations and irregular warfare, peace operations, limited interventions and peacetime military engagement.
"DSTS functions best in the early phase of training, allowing the development of muscle memory, standard operating procedures and team/squad cohesion, while using flexible and custom-built training scenarios and objectives," said Aaron Basmajian, DSTS maintainer.
"It offers more flexibility than live training exercises which are based on physical mock-ups that can't replicate the realism of live bullets or artillery explosions," Basmajian said.
"DSTS puts the Soldier in a virtual environment with a replica of his weapon in his hands, so he can go through all the same motions."
Soldiers wear a helmet-mounted display, which supplies the visual stimulation. The weapon has sensors, which are linked to the human sensor network.
Soldiers have natural interactions with their weapons and equipment and a have a 360-degree audio-visual surround experience with wireless radio and voice communications.
A Soldier's body, head and weapon orientation reflects a virtual view as seen in the Soldier's helmet-mounted display.
"I've never seen a system like this before, where it mimics every move, including weapons systems," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Dwayne Solis, 902nd Security Forces Squadron.
The exercise control workstation is the brains behind the system and allows the trainer to create, modify and execute training exercises. The semi-automated forces workstation gives the trainer the option to create additional static items like furniture and buildings, inside the virtual world.
Soldier workstations allow additional virtual Soldiers, vehicles and neutral or opposing forces to participate in the training controlled via keyboard and mouse by another individual.
"This system is an integral part of the training package that we provide at the Mission Training Complex," said MTC Chief Joel V. Williams. "It is an added tool to help develop Soldiers and leaders towards their individual and collective warrior tasks and battle drills.
"The main function of simulation training is that it prepares service members for combat. Simulation training also ensures they sharpen their combat skills and are ready to deal with the stress of training and deployment," Williams added. "Training that emulates situations found in the real world will lower combat stress and is also a means to develop strategic, tactical and doctrinal knowledge."
To schedule training, call 800-929-8331.