Deployable Virtual Training Environment gives 'war games' new meaning

Photo By Spc. Leigh Campbell | (Left to right) Pfc. Sean P. Vanson, Cpl. Andrew A. Gates and Lance Cpl. Cody J. Schurwan use the Virtual Battlefield Simulator March 18 at Camp Hansen's Combat Arms Simulator Facility.  

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.16.2007

Story by Lance Cpl. Richard Blumenstein 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Lance Cpl. Richard Blumenstein
III Marine Expeditionary Force PAO

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan, -- Seventy Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 3rd Marine Logistics Group learned the value of war gaming March 8-9 as they participated in a Deployable Virtual Training Environment evolution at Camp Hansen's Combat Arms Simulator facility.

The Marines trained in three of the facility's simulators to become familiar with convoy operations, improvised explosive devices and close air support procedures. The simulators use computer games or video screens to create interactive scenarios.

"We're trying to make the training as realistic as possible," said 2nd Lt. Bryce Greenstein, the construction platoon commander with CLB-4.

Marines divided into three groups and rotated between the simulators during the 24-hour training evolution, which forced them to react to different scenarios while fatigued.

Each scenario presented Marines with different obstacles and learning objectives, according to Richard Evans, the DVTE lead with Tactical Exercise Control Group, the unit that runs the simulator.

In the Virtual Battlefield Simulator, computer games created combat scenarios for the Marines, who took part in convoy operations and route clearing. They were met with obstacles such as small arms fire, IEDs and congested traffic while trying to accomplish mission objectives.

"It's a game to help them learn convoy operations so they can get to locations safely," Evans said. "It allows them to practice standard operating procedures, communications, command and control."

The Recognition of Combatants simulator used a projection screen to teach Marines about various IEDs and their common locations. The Marines then watched videos taken from Iraq and identified potential locations of IEDs. The simulator graded Marines on their performance.

The training concluded with the Forward Observer Personal Computer Simulator, which used a large topographical map to teach the Marines how to call in close air support while finding a target's grid coordinates and identifying which targets are most important.

"When you call for fire you have to know where you are and where the targets are on a map," Evans said. "You have to be able to identify what targets take priority ... to tell the difference between a platoon of combatants or two tanks."

• Date Taken: 03.16.2007
• Date Posted: 03.16.2007 10:11
• Story ID: 9468
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP