FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- No one knows for sure what the battlefield of tomorrow will be for our Soldiers. This future uncertainty has caused us to have to adjust the way we train in the 21st century. We've had to develop tools that afford us the flexibility to train our Soldiers to be able to face any conceivable threat and environment.

I am a huge advocate for Soldiers performing the training in a live situation. However, the issue with only training live is that it is extremely resource intensive. Over the last decade, the Army has put a special emphasis on our simulation and virtual training applications. The implementation of these systems has significantly increased our training capacity and capability in addition to our efficiency and effectiveness. Like the rest of the Army, Fort Jackson is using a few of these systems in our efforts to facilitate the transition of our civilian recruits into technically and tactically proficient Soldiers.

One of the tools is the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, or EST 2000, which allows Soldiers to get acquainted with weapons on a simulated firing range before heading to the live fire range. This training tool provides several benefits. The weapon systems are virtually identical to the real thing -- the mechanisms, weight, feel, etc ... are indistinguishable. As mentioned earlier, there is also a resource benefit associated with the EST 2000 because it allows Soldiers more time to practice marksmanship fundamentals without the normal constraints, such as number of rounds, available trainers and daylight hours. Furthermore, our capabilities are enhanced as the software provides the Soldiers with valuable feedback that live training cannot provide.

Another training enhancer that we are using is the Virtual Battle Space 2 (VBS2) application. It is a comprehensive open platform with proven capability for training, simulation and development. Next generation gaming technology is adapted to provide collective military and tactical training and mission rehearsal worldwide. Basically, the software enables Soldiers to conduct just about any type of training using a virtual medium and an avatar.

VBS2 offers a high fidelity virtual sandbox where individual or collective training can be conducted. Soldiers are prepared for real-life challenges by being immersed in lifelike virtual environments. Simulations are operated from the first-person perspective on standard desktop computers, and example training outcomes may include learning new convoy drills, or understanding how to correctly assemble and disassemble an M-4 Carbine.

We are using VBS2 to enhance training such as Land Navigation, Buddy Team Live Fire Exercise, and even Battle Drills, including React to Contact. This type of training meets our Soldiers where they are, and that kind of training is priceless. These alternative training methods are becoming the norm as we implement the Army Learning Model 2015, and they have become more expedient as we have had to assess our resource consumption.

The difference in these 21st century training methods is that we are still able to maintain rigor and realism in the training so we do not renege on our pledge to continue to produce the most lethal, versatile, adaptive, technically and tactically proficient Soldiers the world has ever known. It is imperative that we improve our methods of training so that they stay relevant.

Although our missions will change, our purpose will always remain the same. Our nation expects us to be ready when called upon to fight for our freedoms and the American way of life. By continually improving our training methods, I have no doubt in my mind that we'll always be ready.

Army Strong and Victory Starts Here!

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