Mapping out a capability to enhance training needs

By Mrs. Sarah Tate (USAREUR)March 14, 2016

International Peacekeeping and Security Center
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Graphic Information System analyst Josh Bridges, annotates GPS coordinates at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center, Feb. 16, 2016, near Yavoriv, Ukraine. The gathered data will be used to create a detailed training map similar to the tr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
International Peacekeeping and Security Center
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Graphic Information System analyst Josh Bridges, annotates GPS coordinates at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center, Feb. 16, 2016, near Yavoriv, Ukraine. The gathered data will be used to create a detailed training map similar to the tr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Recording data one plot at a time
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Graphic Information System analyst Josh Bridges, records GPS coordinates of the International Peacekeeping and Security Center, in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Feb. 26, 2016. The gathered data will be used to create a detailed training map similar to the Gr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

YAVORIV, Ukraine (March 11, 2016) -- The International Peacekeeping and Security Center, located in western Ukraine, is the home to the Joint Multinational Training-Group Ukraine (JMTG-U). With a maneuver area that's nearly 20-by-24 kilometers, its capabilities range from small- to large-caliber weapon systems.

As JMTG-U continues to contribute to Ukraine's long-term military reform and improved training capacity, efforts focus on enhancing the training area.

More than 600 miles away from his Grafenwoehr, Germany-based office, Josh Bridges a Graphic Information System (GIS) analyst for the Integrated Training Management (ITAM) program, helps the effort one plot at a time.

"The intent is to create a map comparable to what we use for the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Deleon, JMTG-U Range Operations NCOIC. "As of right now, grid points are used to navigate the area; creating a similar map will make the training mission less complicated."

Equipped with only a topographical map provided by the Ukrainian army and aerial imagery, Bridges covers the training area, annotating GPS coordinates to outline each range, target and infrastructure.

"Every GIS analyst loves to get out," said Bridges. "You spend so much time developing data behind a computer screen that it's nice to get out to the field and see what needs to be created."

After a week on the ground, Bridges and his gathered data headed back to the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command in Grafenwoehr to begin the creation of a new, improved training map. Using special GIS software and a background image of the training site, Bridges added the collected GPS points to create an outline. An outline that will distinguish the desired features to include roads, impact areas and range towers.

"Maps are a good way to describe things visually and spatially that otherwise would be spelled out in a spread sheet; I think a lot of people can connect with maps because you're really showing them data visually," Bridges explained.

Deleon said that a detailed map of the training area will assist Ukrainian forces, and other multinational forces as well.

"Units will be able to safely plan a variety of training exercises within the capabilities and limitations of each range of the training area," he said.

ITAM is a core program under U.S. Army Europe's Sustainable Range Program, run by Training Support Activity Europe. For more information on Training Support Activity Europe and their capabilities, visit www.eur.army.mil/JMTC/TSAE.

Related Links:

U.S. Army Europe

Joint Multinational Training Command

Training Support Activity Europe

Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine