Fort Huachuca recently renovated an old warehouse into a new training facility for units, where they are provided a variety of different training aids and classes. The Training Support Center, TSC, provides training aids, devices, simulators and Simulations, TADSS, for Soldiers to use and learn skills they need before deployment.
Instead of constructing a new building, an old warehouse was converted into the Establishment II, EST II, because of budget constraints and the current location of other TSC facilities. The renovation began in July and finished in October. The former warehouse was one giant open building before the project, and now has a wall down the center, separating two sides for use of the Engagement Skills Trainer.
TSC provides for not only Fort Huachuca, but the entire state of Arizona, to Army Active Duty, Reserves and National Guard. The units are able to call and schedule a time to use the new classrooms for training. Each classroom can train up to 36 personnel.
TSC has a wide selection of rubber and plastic replica weapons such as M4s, M9s, AK-47s, SVD Sniper Rifles and 22 Caliber Pistols. Other training aids available include resuscitation training manikins, moulage kits, lensatic compasses, rifle rests, dime washer sets and practice hand grenade bodies. The rubber weapons are dummy weapons and used for various reasons, like to carry on foot marches, use in displays, weapons caches and for role players to use when they simulate opposition forces.
TSC provides simulations such as improvised explosive device effects signatures, IEDES, and improvised munitions explosive effects signature simulators, IMEESS. They both use carbon dioxide and simulated powder to replicate video and audio effects. They have a wireless remote that fires a distance of 100 meters. Both use propane and oxygen mixtures, which replicate small arms gunfire and improvised explosive device explosions.
The IEDES are used for Soldiers to learn how to defeat IEDs with different equipment, and how to react to one in case there is ever an explosion.
"Nothing comes out of the simulator except for a little flame. It's more for the noise," said Training Support Officer Michael Shuford.
Shuford said the units can sign the simulators out, but instructors have to train them how to use it first. The units have to become certified and need to show they know how to use one before signing it out.
"I remember the first time I signed this out to a unit," said Shuford. "It was to 40th Signal (Battalion) and they used it over at Range 6 and 8. We could hear it all the way over here [on Carter Street]."
TSC has two simulators. The engagement Skills Trainer, EST II, is designed for use as a unit and institutional trainer by providing weapons handling, safety and familiarization training. The indoor establishment provides military units with individual small arms, crew served and individual anti-tank training scenarios.
"They either re-familiarize themselves with the weapon or practice before they go out and shoot live rounds, because the only thing used inside are lasers," said Shuford.
The other simulator, HHMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer, HEAT, is their indoor training device. The M1114 cab flips upside down with the Soldiers inside of it to train them on how to prepare and escape if they were ever in a situation where one rolls over.
"This is a requirement prior to deployment and they'll probably have to do it more than once," said Shuford.
The HEAT cab is a replica of the up-armored HMMWV and it, along with the MRAP, are the primary vehicles used in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fort Huachuca does not have the MRAP rollover trainer because they do not have units in Arizona assigned to it.
"These HHMMWV vehicles have a lot more rollovers because they're more top heavy, and there've been a lot of injuries and deaths from it," said Shuford. "Especially if they get hit by an IED, it's more than likely going to roll over. What this does, is teach them how to orient themselves when it's upside down or on its side."
NCOs E5 and above are given a class on how to operate the HEAT safely and how to run their Soldiers through it. They have a two-day class and once they're certified, they can bring their units. Approximately 80 personnel can go through the training in a day.
"They can show them a few different things like a critical rollover angle at 25 degrees," said Shuford. "They show them what it feels like once they hit that critical angle, because at that point the vehicle is going to roll over."
They also show them the critical angle for a standard HHMMWV, which is at 30 degrees, what it's like to be rolled over on the side at 90 degrees, when they're completely upside down at 180 degrees, on the drivers side at 270 degrees and then back up.
"They have to be able to get out of their seat belts, open the combat locks, open the doors and get out of the vehicle," said Shuford.
If units would like to use the facility or request equipment, they can contact by phone. Contact 533.6643.
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