Army simulation centre at Waiouru (OH08-0144-01)
15 April 2009
Simulation in the military has come a long way since dice, floor maps and terrain boards. Now computer programmes allow a huge array of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) effects, limited only by the availability of computer hardware.
It’s now possible to watch your simulated fellow soldier blinking at you and hear the sound of yourself crawling over the ground avoiding hostile fire. You can fire a Steyr at a target on the screen, hear the blast, and feel the recoil, all without using any ammunition. What began as computer games for kids has now become a vital tool for developing and enhancing military skills around the world, including the NZ Army.
The Army Simulation Centres at Linton, Waiouru and Burnham are commanded by Linton-based Major, Peter Curran. These centres offer a mix of different software and hardware options, depending on the training required at each location. Army personnel from around the country also travel to the centres to use the available training tools. Some of you may already be familiar with the Virtual Battlefield, SteelBeasts, the Indirect Fire Trainer and, more recently, the Weapon Training System (WTS) which was installed at Waiouru in March 2008. The systems utilise a range of hardware such as keypads, joysticks, binoculars, headphones, adapted artillery, speakers, small monitors and projected screens. Due to the use of similar weapons in the Navy and Air Force, in the future all three Services may use the WTS to practice and maintain firing skills.
The Army has invested heavily in this technology, and it seems to be paying off. For example, the WTS at Waiouru has saved about $12 million in live ammunition costs by replacing it with the virtual kind. But the benefits of the Army Simulation Centres are not just cost savings. “You can play a whole scenario” says Major Curran. “In some countries it’s normal for everyone to carry a gun; this doesn’t mean they are a threat. Simulation can help soldiers make better decisions, faster, in this kind of environment.”
The options and opportunities are numerous. You can use night time scenarios during day, or simulate bad weather when the sun is shining. You can fire weapons that the NZ Army only has one of or see vehicles that the NZ Army does not have. You can visit places on the other side of the world that are created so realistically, you would know your way around when you got there in person. There's the option to work as part of a team - taking orders from your Commanding Officer and protecting your fellow soldiers, or to work independently. You can get killed or injured without any physical consequence, apart from perhaps a bollocking from your CO!
However, while all things in the simulated environment are possible, it doesn’t mean they don’t need to be controlled.
Soldiers using guns at the WTS range need to show the same consideration for safety that they would in a real situation. If soldiers adopt bad habits while using simulated weapons, there is a danger that this will translate into live firing, which is to be avoided at all costs.
In real life ammunition and fuel is restricted and deaths are of course permanent. It’s about giving soldiers and commanders an understanding of their actions by putting them into a range of challenging life or death virtual situations that can not otherwise be replicated in the real world. “Training for operations is not a game and if you come to the Simulation Centre for training you’d better be prepared take it seriously,” says Major Curran.
At present, simulation training is optional and not part of core training for Army personnel. It is hoped, however, that it will be integrated and combined with classroom work and training in the field right from the beginning of a soldier’s career.
“The value of simulation is exponential and the benefits of using it are significant and cost effective, so it is sensible for Army units to choose to use simulation tools as part of their core business”, says Major Curran. “We have been preoccupied with the technical part – the software and hardware – but now need to focus on the tactical application of simulation and start including it in training, as well as in instructor training”.
Some of the software can be burnt and distributed via DVDs – this means 24hr training is possible.
Major Curran is confident that more integration of simulation tools into Army training will occur, “I have a great team and excellent support from my chain of command. I’m confident that the Army Simulation Centre will grow along with the Army, although ongoing investment will be needed as hardware and software evolve. Simulation is like a Porsche, which until now, has been kept in the garage; we’re going to dust it off, take it out on the road and see how fast we can make it go…”
Ends