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    MRAP trainer keeps Marines prepared to fight

    MRAP trainer keeps Marines prepared to fight

    Photo By Sgt. Gina C. Rindt | The new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Egress Trainer is moved into place aboard the...... read more read more

    BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

    09.16.2011

    Story by Sgt. Gina C. Rindt 

    Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

    BEAUFORT, S.C. - The Air Station expanded its ability to ready Marines for the fight, when it received the new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Egress Trainer Sept. 8.

    The MRAP MET, a 33,000 pound training system is designed to support egress training, during a simulated rollover, and provide vehicle crewmembers the confidence needed to safely exit the MRAP vehicle in that event.

    “There are several [units], throughout the area, who will get the chance to receive the egress training needed for the MRAP,” said Randy Mingledorff, the Station Training administrator and a Ridgeland, S.C., native. “[Marine Wing Support Squadron 273] will be one of the units aboard the Air Station to get the most use from it because of their deployments and usage of the vehicle.”

    The MRAP MET is the Cougar variant, which is one of eight different models. The trainer consists of a simulated vehicle cab, visual monitoring system and speaker system so that voice commands can be provided to and heard from or by the vehicle crewmembers.

    While using the visual monitoring system and speaker system, the instructor is capable of conducting crew training, introducing malfunctions and emergency egress situations, monitoring each trainee’s performance and providing feedback.

    “The MRAP MET is a state of the art, full or partial motion simulator designed for use in all phases of roll over scenarios requiring crew egress,” said Gregory Craft, the MRAP MET Facility supervisor for the Air Station and a native of Haughton, La. “This type of design places the students in the most realistic environment possible while providing a comprehensive learning environment with maximum retention and application of lessons learned back to the real world.”

    The device will reinforce the importance of seat positioning, wearing seatbelts, demonstrating the feeling of being disorientated and the actual effort required to execute rollover procedures.

    The trainer was contracted and delivered by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office, Simulation Training and Instrumentation, who were responsible for getting the trainer to the Air Station, ensuring it was set up and working properly, along with giving instructions about how to use it and the items, which were included with the trainer.

    “It is our job to make sure the facility or base receiving the MRAP MET has adequate space and the proper requirements are met to ensure the trainer is well cared for and maintained to last as long as needed,” said Anthony Hamilton Sr., the Logistics Management specialist with Ground Combat Tactical Trainers and a native of Chicago Heights, Ill. “During the delivery process, I make sure all parties involved get a chance to see the trainer being used, and I leave knowing if they do have any questions I am available.”

    The Air Station now has the new MRAP MET and Humvee Egress Trainer to cater to the needs of Fightertown personnel.

    “The MET is based on the same technology as the HEAT,” said Army Lt. Col. Mark Evans, product manager with GCTT. “Using the MRAP Egress Trainer will help ensure Marines, sailors and soldiers are properly prepared during deployments. A rollover can cause injury or death, if they are not trained properly.”

    Since Nov. 7, 2007, there have been 38 MRAP accidents of which only four did not entail a rollover event. Many of these accidents included injuries to service members and five deaths have been attributed to rollover events.

    “This trainer is an asset to the Air Station and will be used routinely to keep our service members up-to-date on all the necessary training needed to get the job done and come home safe,” Craft said.

    The MRAP MET is maintained by Station Training and will be available for use within the next few weeks. For more information on times and class dates, contact your units training representative.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.16.2011
    Date Posted: 09.16.2011 11:44
    Story ID: 77148
    Location: BEAUFORT, SC, US

    Web Views: 259
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN