FORT POLK, La. "" The gunner sits atop his HMMWV, armed, ready to fire as the vehicle traverses a remote Afghan dirt road.
Ahead of him is the lead vehicle in this convoy, and two others are following behind. The gunner, and everyone else in the vehicle, can see all the vehicles, the road, the countryside … even villagers on their way to the next town.
When the gunner fires on an armed insurgent, everyone sees the dust kick up around him. Radio communications verify the threat has been eliminated.
The scenario plays out and the vehicle stops. The terrain becomes frozen in time. Everyone piles out of the HMMWV, a bit chilled from the frosty air conditioning.
Wait a minute … frosty? In July?
Certainly, when the convoy takes place in the fully enclosed Reconfigurable Vehicle Tactical Trainer, a place where video game technology marries relevant convoy training.
Convoy operations have become a large and necessary part of predeployment training. Rotational units at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk often mount up in a convoy for trips into the “box” and other training areas, where they encounter several obstacles: Improvised explosive devices, ambushes, civilian contact and more.
But before they head into a “real world” scenario, military personnel can get training in the RVTT, or convoy simulator.
It offers four bays, each configurable to become a HMMWV or Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, and linked so all four work together in a convoy.
Each bay has a 360-degree screen that depicts the scenario. The vehicle rattles and shakes a bit as it moves, but the real illusion comes from within.
As the passengers look at the moving terrain around them, they experience the sensation of forward motion.
During a scenario, the vehicles are in radio contact not only with each other, but also with roleplayers that simulate higher military echelons, close air support and explosive ordnance personnel and others.
A hidden computer operator can surprise the convoy at any time with an ambush, IED or whatever the training scenario calls for.
A day in the simulator begins with a safety brief, according to Chris Kegerreis, site lead, Computer Science Corporation, Warrior Training Alliance, the company that runs the site.
“Once they are briefed, they group up and man their vehicles. Then they practice battle drills, such as react to contact or ambush, culvert clearance, calling in a medical evacuation,” said Kegerreis.
“We have preprogrammed scenarios for Iraq, Afghanistan and the National Training Center, but we can modify and custom-build scenarios to replicate just about anywhere in the world.”
When it comes to custom-made scenarios, Brad Parker, semi-automated forces operator, is the man to see. He can replicate enemy or friendly vehicles, vehicle-borne IEDs, suicide bombers and more.
He can build a custom scenario to suit any training need.
Parker and Kegerreis make up half the RVTT team "" the other half is Wayne Ross and David Long, maintenance technicians. These are the people that keep the operation running, ensuring the computers are linked, operational and performing to standard.
Once the “mission” is complete, Soldiers can pile up in the after action review room, where they watch the recorded video of themselves and the other three vehicles in action. Here they critique their responses and make adjustments to their tactics, techniques and procedures "" all in the comfort of an air-conditioned, dust-free environment.
One happy RVTT “customer” is Sgt. David Lloyd, 4th Battalion, 353rd Infantry Regiment, 162nd Infantry Brigade. Lloyd is an instructor for combat advisors who mentor and advise host nation security forces in military leadership and skills. He teaches mounted combat patrols via the RVTT.
“This (simulator) is an invaluable resource for mission accomplishment,” said Lloyd. “The training offers ‘what if’ scenarios so we can adjust our TTPs to become a more effective fighting force.”
An Air Force unit was under Lloyd’s tutelage at the RVTT, located at North Fort Polk near Tigerland, July 8. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Davies, 388th Maintenance Operations Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, served as a gunner in one of the simulated missions that day. He said the training his unit received was realistic and important.
“It’s all hands-on training. The weapons and vehicles all work the way they do in the real world,” said Davies. “This training is a benefit for us because it is in line with what is happening now and we are learning how to protect one another.”
The RVTT has mobile capabilities, but according to Kegerreis, the facility doesn’t leave post.
“It pretty much stays here because it is utilized so often at Fort Polk "" about 200 personnel go through the training monthly,” he said.
“There are possible future expansion plans, including a stationary building with bathrooms and offices, but that’s not available just yet.”
Kegerreis said any units interested in this high-tech, air-conditioned and relevant training can contact their training NCO or S3, or call Nathaniel Roberson to schedule a date at 531-6661/6834.
To make an appointment to customize a scenario call (785) 223-2001 or (803) 572-1632.
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