Virtual training system provides Army South Soldiers real world skills

Photo By Sgt. Mahlet Tesfaye | Sgt. Ralph Vasquezrivera, Army South Battalion Master Driver, engages virtual enemy targets using the Dismounted Soldier Training System during dismounted Soldier training held March 5 at the Mission Training Complex, here. DSTS is the Army’s first fully immersive virtual simulation training system that provides the capability to conduct dismounted Soldier operations for Soldiers in a virtual operational environment. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mahlet Tesfaye, U.S. Army South Public Affairs/Release)  

FORT SAM HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES

03.05.2015

Story by Sgt. Mahlet Tesfaye 

U.S. Army South

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Suited with a computer module backpack, helmet-mounted display, sensor tracker and instrumented weapon, a U.S. Army South Soldier leads his squad into a simulated enemy compound to search and destroy enemy targets during virtual dismounted Soldier training held March 5 at the Mission Training Complex, here.

Dismounted Soldier Training System is the Army’s first fully immersive computer simulated training system that provides the capability to conduct dismounted Soldier operations for an individual Soldier, up to a company-level unit in a virtual operational environment.

“The system is very realistic,” said Aaron Basmajian, a field service technician and DSTS trainer. “Based on what the unit wants and what it is looking for; from patrolling techniques to reacting to direct fire or indirect fire, we custom build a scenario prior to them coming to the center. We can put them into any terrain, any environment or any place in the world.”

Army South Soldiers are using this new system to train and improve their dismounted Soldier skills and operate as a group.

“Training on the DSTS gives Army South Soldiers a chance to maintain some level of proficiency in basic movement and communication skills within a squad or fire team,” said Lt. Col. Paul Hilaski, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion commander, Army South.

During the training, a Soldier uses his body to perform complex motion maneuvers, such as opening a door, or going around or under an obstacle by physically mimicking those actions. Motion tracking sensors attached to the Soldier capture the Soldier’s natural movements and translates and uses them to control the Soldier’s avatar within the simulation.

Sgt. Ralph Vasquezrivera, Army South Battalion Master Driver, believes DSTS is one of the best training tools he’s used because it allows him and his unit to work with each other during operational missions.

“It is a great system,” said Vasquezrivera. “We have a lot to learn as a group and as a unit, not just as an individual person. It brings you back to the basics like maneuvering skills, basic formations and commands.”

“DSTS gives the Soldiers realistic supplemental training working together as a team in a multitude of replicated situations,” stated Hilaski. “It does not replace traditional training techniques in the Army, but rather supports and augments fundamental training all Soldiers receive throughout their careers.”

To simulate a regular Army platoon, DSTS has nine virtual Soldier manned modules which include a Helmet-mounted display that attaches to the Soldier’s helmet with an integrated head tracker, noise cancellation stereo headphones, and a microphone for voice and radio communications; computer backpack for processing and display of the 3D virtual environment within the HMD; sensors for tracking body positions; and instrumented weapons with optics, sights, and scopes.

Soldiers can see and hear the virtual environment and also communicate with members of their squad, platoon or company.
Army units can use DSTS as an additional training tool by creating a virtual limitless operational environment where dismounted Soldiers can engage the enemy or area targets.

“A team leader or squad leader who does not have troop leading experience can come in here and work on that before they go out to the field. They can rehearse in here multiple times,” said Jacob Patrick, field service technician and DSTS trainer.

During the training, nine Army South Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion Soldiers with different levels of dismounted Soldier training and experience worked together to quickly disable the enemy and accomplish their simulated mission.

According to Spc. Brittany Skula, Army South Human Resource Specialist, although the training was virtual, she learned what it would be like to work with a squad in a stressful environment.

“DSTS training was a great experience because I have never been deployed. I don’t have that combat experience. But during the training, I got a taste of what it could be like and how much stress and how much you have to think as a team and not as yourself,” stated Skula.

DSTS has the ability to record and playback the entire training, including each Soldier’s movements, during the scenario.
After each scenario, Army South Soldiers used the playback feature during an after action review for critical tactical decision points and discussed what happened and what they should do next time to improve.

“DSTS lets Soldiers know where their weaknesses are. It gives them a good understanding of where they are lacking and gives them the opportunity to improve on their Soldiering skills,” explained Basmajian, DSTS technician.

As a DSTS trainer, Patrick said he gets positive responses from Soldiers who want to come back regularly for training and get more experience.

“If you have the opportunity to conduct this kind of training, just like anything else, take it seriously and train like we fight. Put in a hundred percent of your effort and your time into it and you will get something out of it,” Vasquezrivera said.

• Date Taken: 03.05.2015
• Date Posted: 03.24.2015 16:48
• Story ID: 157921
• Location: FORT SAM HOUSTON, TX, US