Innovation in the Dirt
(U.S. Army story by Spc. Kelvin Johnson Jr., 40th Public Affairs Detachment)
Fola, W. Va.-- Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) participates in Driving Innovation in Realistic Training (DIRT) Days, April 17-21, 2023.
DIRT Days focus is on unit training objectives and implementing technology from U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), SAAB Technology, and the Pathfinder and Accelerating Force Programs to help the Army create better solutions to real problems in a field environment.
"DIRT Days allows Soldiers to improve on combat readiness and we can validate through experimentation on prototypes," said Mitch Kusmier, the vice president of the Civil-Military Innovation Institute.
This technology offers the highest fidelity in simulating the combat effects for the dismounted Soldier. It provides user feedback, including realistic audio cues to reflect hits, suppressive fire, wound status indications, and more.
"This allows the unit to show their technological advancements with this new equipment in challenging terrain while still being tactical," said Spc. Eric Mahn, Soldier with 2-506.
Units from 2-506 were tasked to maneuver rough mountain terrain conducting training, like destroying air defenses, securing key terrain from opposing forces, and air assault resupply.
"The hardest challenge was staying tactical while mountaineering through the terrain as a heavy weapon unit with no vehicle in a hostile environment," said Mahn.
With rough terrain and heavy equipment, the new technology allowed the Soldiers to operate smoothly. The Assistant Gunner Bag is a new ammunition bag system that increases efficiency, and survivability and is lethal for M240B/L machinegun crews. The design encompasses operational functionality and weight distribution optimization, with the sustainment portion readily detached.
"The equipment is a great step in technology; it is amazing compared to the old MILES [Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System] gear," said Mahn. "With equipment like AG Bag allowed for swifter movement."
“This training exercise gives the 101st opportunity to experiment with electronic warfare systems that they had not used before,” said Lt. Col. Dale Marrou, the battalion commander of 2-506 Inf. Reg.
Marrou concluded that it allows the Soldiers to continue the 101st mission as it becomes one of the Army's two Joint Forcible Entry divisions.
Date Taken: | 04.20.2023 |
Date Posted: | 05.03.2023 20:25 |
Story ID: | 443042 |
Location: | FOLA, WEST VIRGINIA, US |
Web Views: | 90 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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