March 19, 2026 (LITTLE FALLS, Minnesota) – The integration of the Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) system marks a significant step forward in modernizing training capabilities at the Camp Ripley Training Center providing Minnesota National Guard Soldiers with cutting-edge, immersive training opportunities.
“This new simulation system will support the training for the 34th “Red Bull” Infantry Division and all other customers to the Camp Ripley Training Center starting in 2026,” said Camp Ripley’s Training Support Officer (TSO), Ryan Gould.
The RVCT is designed to support the virtual collective training efforts of maneuver units from the section to the squadron/battalion level. It is an immersive & semi-immersive reconfigurable training capability representing manned and unmanned combat systems and is intended to replace current collective trainers.
The RVCT is part of the U.S. Army’s broader Synthetic Training Environment (STE), a modernization effort designed to merge live, virtual, and constructive training into a single, cohesive system.
“The RVCT specifically enables Soldiers to train collectively in a shared virtual environment, combining air, ground, and dismounted elements into one synchronized mission space,” added Dean Klein, the Tolliver contractor SME for RVCT at Camp Ripley.
At its core, the RVCT is a modular and transportable system that allows multiple crew positions and platforms to be simulated simultaneously. Whether replicating an armored vehicle crew, rotary-wing aviation team, or infantry squad, the system provides realistic mission scenarios that can be repeated, adjusted, and scaled to meet training objectives.
For the Army National Guard, this capability is especially valuable. Guard units often train across geographically dispersed locations and with limited access to large-scale training ranges. The RVCT bridges that gap by allowing units to connect virtually, enabling collective training events without the constraints of distance, weather, or resource availability. Soldiers can rehearse missions, refine communication between air and ground forces, and conduct multiple iterations of complex scenarios in a controlled environment.
“The ability to train together in a virtual environment expands what Soldiers can learn and how quickly they can improve,” said Army training developers during RVCT demonstrations, highlighting the system’s impact on readiness and repetition.
RVCT was issued to Camp Ripely Training Support Center (TSC) in 2025 and consists of 4 M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, 4 M2M3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, 42 dismounted infantry laptops, 4 UH-60M Blackhawk with door gunners, 2 CH-47F Chinook with door and ramp gunners as well as sling load and hoist capability and the Training Management Tool computer suite to control it all. Camp Ripley supplied building 10-151 to house all the equipment and assisted with electrical and network upgrades along with significant logistical support.
“The integration of RVCT at Camp Ripley positions the installation as a leader in next-generation training. Known for its expansive maneuver areas and year-round training capabilities, Camp Ripley now extends its reach into the digital domain, allowing units to train on realistic terrain and mission sets that replicate real-world operational environments.” stated Gould
The system provides several key benefits to training installations. It reduces wear and tear on equipment, lowers operational costs, and increases the frequency and flexibility of training events. Additionally, it enables multi-domain operations training—bringing together aviation, armor, and infantry in ways that are difficult to achieve in traditional live training environments.
Management and sustainment of the RVCT system at Camp Ripley will be led by the Training Support Center (TSC). The TSC team plays a critical role in scheduling training events, maintaining equipment, and assisting units in developing realistic scenarios tailored to their mission requirements. The Training Support Center in conjunction with the ARNG Training Range Support Program (TRSP), operated by The Tolliver Group provides liaison with units for all training requests and questions.
TRSP personnel assist units with exercise planning, building scenarios, running training and the conduct of After-Action Reviews. RVCT and the ARNG TRSP team have supported three training events since the equipment was issued with eleven more scheduled. The units have been pleased with the RVCT system and the training support provided and have provided the program with valuable feedback to improve the system and its capabilities. Their expertise ensures that units maximize the system’s capabilities while integrating it effectively into existing training plans.
“By combining advanced technology with experienced training support personnel, Camp Ripley continues to evolve as a premier training site for the Army National Guard. The addition of the RVCT system not only enhances individual and collective readiness but also reinforces the National Guard’s ability to respond to both domestic and overseas missions.”
As the Army continues to modernize, systems like RVCT ensure that Soldiers are better prepared, more connected, and ready to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex operational environment.
The goal of the Training Support Center and TRSP is to provide quality training opportunities and to help units achieve their training objectives. Whether those objectives include armored maneuver, dismounted operations, air operations, communications, digital and battle tracking functions or a combination of them all, the TSC and TRSP are ready to support.
Mr. Klein emphasized, “Camp Ripley’s RVCT integration and training efforts emphasize the critical role the ARNG TRSP has played in supporting this integration—specifically our contributions to training, sustainability, and overall mission success in meeting the commander’s intent.”