Soldiers go for MILES for training they need

Courtesy Photo | The MILES system on a vehicle at the NTC, Aug. 11. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc Chalon Hutson)  

FORT IRWIN, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

08.11.2010

Courtesy Story

301st Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt. Kelli Brown

FORT IRWIN, Calif. – Accuracy and realism are two of the most important aspects of any training environment.

With the advancements in the military technology and a greater availability of equipment this goal is attainable. Active convoys, artillery fire, mock cities and insurgent actors all add to the realistic feel of the National Training Center. But above all, personal safety and survival measure the success of any training exercise.

One major bonus that makes NTC a hit is Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System. The MILES gear was introduced as a means to help the Army track when soldiers were shot or wounded in a simulated battlefield. This system alleviates the confusion and guesswork of memory on who was killed and not killed in the exercise. The idea of using lasers enhances the accountability of Soldiers and brings a sense of realism.

The components of the MILES equipment vary to meet the needs of different scenarios. The uniform for the soldier consists of a halo and torso. Humvees and other tactical vehicles are also fitted with the system. This means vehicles are vulnerable for attacks. This is another step in creating the reality that threatens soldiers every day in the combat zone.

The MILES gear consists of wearing a detection device. When fired upon the display screen from the device box will state what type of status the soldier is in. If it is a kill status a medical flat line sound will go off. The screen can also display a status of a near miss.

There is more involved with the tactical vehicles. When tactical vehicles are fired upon they may suffer a communication kill or a catastrophic kill. If the vehicle is faced with a communication kill, all communication is ceased. If the vehicle is hit with a catastrophic kill then all soldiers within the vehicle become casualties. The MILES is used on heavy vehicles like tanks and heavy shooters. A small arms transmitter is attached to the tip of Soldiers’ weapons.

“The newest and most desirable (transmitter) is the M240B, (which) is smaller and the weight is much lighter (than previous devices),” said Tim Rose, a supply technician for Raython Company. The MILES also specializes in Tactical Engagement System. TAS is a system that simulates bombs, missiles, grenades among other explosives. These reproduce real-life effects that soldiers will face in the combat zone.

“The MILES gear is effective for training because it makes you proficient for what’s going on around you,” said Pvt. Blake Bolayog an infantryman with Company A, 1/185th Armor (Combined Arms Battalion).

Bolayog had the opportunity to train with the MILES gear in Germany before deploying to Kosovo.

The training consists of simulation rounds while being on guard for 24 to 36 hours and wearing the MILES gear. This makes it really effective because you are unaware where the enemy is located. Once a soldier becomes a target, a ringing sound will go off, but the soldier may not have any idea where the attack is coming from. It’s beneficial especially for new soldiers who haven’t deployed, Bolayog said.

At NTC the request for issuing and returning MILES gear and equipment is in high demand. It definitely keeps the staff at Building 822 at Ft. Irwin busy. The MILES system is the cornerstone of the field training exercise at NTC.

A realistic feel in the training environment is crucial to the success of any mission in theatre. The MILES system aides in this success by providing a reason for each soldier to protect themselves from actual enemy fire. Every aspect of the war is constantly changing, protecting yourself never does.

“NTC is as close as you can get to war,” said Rose.

• Date Taken: 08.11.2010
• Date Posted: 08.12.2010 11:04
• Story ID: 54394
• Location: FORT IRWIN, CALIFORNIA, US