Simulator enables call-for-fire training

Photo By Sgt. Erik Brooks | David E. Gaul shows Marine leaders and other virtual trainer staff the capabilities of the supporting arms virtual trainer on Camp Hansen Nov. 3. The SAVT facilitates calling for indirect fire on different types of scenarios. Gaul is an SAVT operator, currently operating out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.  

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

11.03.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Erik Brooks 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP HANSEN, Japan - Marine leaders and civilian contractors from around Okinawa joined together to unveil the first supporting arms virtual trainer here Nov. 3.

The trainer enables real-time simulation based call-for-fire training for units on island.

“The SAVT training device provides a hands-on, mission-based training environment that fully replicates the entire close-air-support mission,” said Andrew S. Pulido, an SAVT operator.

“It simulates the training scenarios that require the placement of tactical ordnance on trainee-selected targets using joint service-approved close-air-support procedures and surface-indirect-fire procedures,” he explained.

SAVT provides two training environments: the primary display and the integrated after-action review room, according to SAVT operating staff. These two environments enable real-time training, followed by a review of successful and unsuccessful procedures used.

The trainer uses Naval surface-fire support, artillery and mortars to perform destruction, neutralization, suppression, illumination and coordinated illumination, interdiction and harassment-fire missions.

“The joint terminal attack controller and forward observers can train on the things they think they need work on,” said Pulido. “All units that would call for fire can use the SAVT to simulate a call-for-fire [mission].”

There are three different fire methods in the trainer students can use. These methods include forward-air station, observation-post station and forward air control. Each method provides a different scenario a Marine could experience when deployed.

The SAVT projects scenarios onto a 15-foot high by 10-foot long radius dome screen. The screen provides a 260-degree horizontal and 60-degree field-of-view image for trainees.

The large screen shows a view of the entire battlespace, enabling individual users to see the effect of their actions.

Two-student teams use a set of handheld toolsets, which simulate the typical equipment required to accomplish their mission. Each student has a screen on which they have a virtual communication link, displaying data pertaining to their part of the scenario.

The students can communicate with the aircraft, observers and other fire-support stations to adjust their call for fire to hit the target, said Pulido.

The SAVT will be able to handle most scenarios found in a real-world situation.

“There is limited training we can do on Okinawa due to no live-fire training,” said Col. Curtis L. Williamson, the commanding officer for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “This system will allow us to have a lot of valuable training so when conducting live-fire exercises, we can get max effectiveness out of it.”

The SAVT is available to all units and branches of service on the island, said Pulido.

For more information or to set up a unit-training event, call your unit’s training coordinator.

• Date Taken: 11.03.2011
• Date Posted: 11.13.2011 01:16
• Story ID: 79969
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP