Enable breadcrumbs token at /includes/pageheader.html.twig

Stryker Virtual Trainer Debuts in Europe

The simulation system complements live training for warfighters.

The Joint Multinational Simulation Center recently fielded the Stryker Virtual Collective Trainer (SVCT) to Vilseck, Germany, the system’s first deployment in Europe.

The SVCT, which was fielded to Vilseck in January, was developed at the Combined Arms Center-Training – Innovation facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to provide the Army’s Stryker community the capability to train a platoon in a multi-vehicle, virtual environment. Army officials describe the trainer as a low-cost, commercial, game-based simulator that provides a realistic training environment while also being relatively easy to configure and administer.

The SVCT simulator consists of basic mock-ups designed to mimic the shape and size of a Stryker combat vehicle’s interior. Inside the mock-up, computer monitors that display virtual scenes generated by Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3) surround the crew members. VBS3 is the gaming software developed by Bohemia Interactive Simulations which provides the simulation that ties all the vehicle models together into one seamless virtual environment.

“The VBS3 virtual environment hones key soldering skills effectively due to its rinse and repeat capability. For example, in VBS3 it is easy to review mistakes and reset a scenario to retrain on a task until proficiency is achieved. What is more, this proficiency is obtained without the cost of additional fuel and ammo, the risk of damaging equipment or endangering human life,” Joseph Mercer, tactical gaming chief at the Joint Multinational Simulation Center, Grafenwoehr, Germany, reports in a written announcement to SIGNAL Magazine.

The goal of these SVCT models is not to perfectly duplicate the Stryker vehicles, but rather to focus on creating an environment where crews can train on protocols, procedures, team dynamics, essential decision-making skills and core tasks. “SVCT allows units to accomplish more of the training that they would be able to do on a live range but at no cost. This being said, SVCT is not meant to replace live training but to improve it. SVCT is meant to prepare a unit for live operations and improve the effectiveness of their live training,” Mercer adds.

Units wanting to conduct training using the SVCT can call Mercer at DSN: 314-474-2369; CIV: +49 (0)9641-454-2369 or email joseph.a.mercer4.civ@mail.mil.