Frederick Orlando, electronics worker, tests the power module for the Wireless Independent Target System.

Electronics Mechanic Helper William Scally tests the crew control module for a Tactical Vehicle System.

Cleide McLaughlin, electronics mechanic, tests the detector belt for a MILES XXI system.

Colin Herron, electronics worker, uses specialized equipment to test a cable for a Combat Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System.

Warfighters use laser-based training tools repaired at Tobyhanna Army Depot to hone their combat skills.

Personnel started restoring nonfunctional Instrumentable-Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (I-MILES) tactical vehicle assets in July; meanwhile the man-worn equipment workload [here since 2018] was moved to a central facility in Kentucky.

Military members have come to rely on organic industrial base experts to arm them with mission capable I-MILES training devices. Incoming vehicle assets include Tactical Vehicle Systems, Wireless Independent Target System, Combat Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System and MILES XXI.

“We have a great team supporting this mission,” said Electronics Mechanic Jeff Fitch, a work leader who has been part of the I-MILES program since the beginning. “Tobyhanna provides the workspace and manpower to make the repairs. Lockheed Martin provides what we need to do the job.”

Fitch is responsible for making sure the C4ISR Directorate’s I-MILES Branch employees supporting the mission can meet customer requirements. Tobyhanna technicians repair what is broken then test and inspect the assets before being sent back to the users, he said.

Two years ago, Tobyhanna joined forces with Lockheed Martin under the Army Training Aids, Devices, Simulators, Simulations, Maintenance Program’s seven-year multi-million-dollar contract to form the largest public-private partnership in the depot’s history.

“Our function is to make sure Tobyhanna technicians can be successful,” said Mike Kleiber, site lead for Lockheed Martin. He explained that the private-sector business manages the funding, provides specialized tools and handles all shipping and receiving. “We’ve received exceptional support from Tobyhanna. As a team we’ve been able to produce quality assets that benefit the Soldier.”

The I-MILES branch chief applauds team members for stepping up to the challenge of repairing the different assets. Terri Callaghan also commends the strong working relationship between Tobyhanna Army Depot and Lockheed Martin. As the branch transitioned from man-worn to vehicle assets, leadership was able to implement a few changes to streamline work flow.

“This team is awesome,” Callaghan said, adding that she is new to the position and hoping to learn as much as she can during her tenure as branch chief. “Everyone is proactive and willing to do whatever it takes to meet the customer’s needs. For instance, everyone cross-trained so they could respond to work on all the assets, which gets the systems out the door faster.”

Work on laser-based training tools is scheduled until fiscal year 2025, according to the contract.