FORT JACKSON, S.C. (TRADOC News Service, May 11, 2007) -- Soldiers going through Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson will soon face a new enemy, one that can "shoot back."
Laser Target Interface Devices, which will be added to various ranges, work in conjunction with the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System.
"When those targets pop up and the Soldier going down the lane fires back and misses, the LTID will shoot back," explained Lyle Daniels, tactical engagement simulation coordinator.
The LTID system uses a microphone, a speaker and a MILES transmitter. "When a target comes up, we can program it so that if it is up for five seconds without being hit the laser then shoots back," Daniels said.
Daniels said the LTID can be programmed to mimic various types of targets -- infantrymen, thin-skinned vehicle or armored vehicle. The type of target the system is imitating affects how far the laser will shoot back and what type of sound the speakers emit to simulate various weapons.
The LTID technology is not new. Daniels said he decided to try to get approval for bringing the equipment to Fort Jackson after observing ranger battalions training with it at Fort Bragg, N.C.
"I sat down with them and asked them 'How do you train members of a fire team to work together, to use ground together,'" Daniels said. "You're trying to teach buddy set, buddy move. When you get a MILES system that shoots back at you it forces Soldiers to focus even more on working together. You want that to become second nature."
Since the LTID is portable it can be used in a variety of training scenarios.
"It's very adaptable," said David Windsor, range inspector. "You can use it on the original MILES equipment, second generation MILES and MILES 2000."
Windsor added that other changes planned for the ranges include simulating a shoulder-launched rocket attack on the convoy course.
"We're actually going to have it on a wire so that the Soldiers can get a real taste of what it is like to see that rocket coming at them," Windsor said.
An exact date of when the additions will be made to ranges has not been finalized.
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