Soldiers try out the Synthetic Training Environment tools at Orlando’s Technology Integration Facility.
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AUSTIN (Texas) Preparing Soldiers for futuristic battlegrounds with today’s resources and equipment is no easy task. However, the Army Futures Command Synthetic Training Environment Multi-Functional Team (Army Futures Command Synthetic Training Environment Cross Functional Team) has made it possible.STE CFT) is addressing creatively through the use of technologically advanced and video game-like training tools.
The STE CFT is one eight Army Futures Command CFTs. It was created to accelerate and allow Army modernization priorities. Industry and academic experts, influential governments partners, and both seasoned Army Soldiers as well as novice Army Soldiers, come together to inform synthetic training requirements, and foster shared capabilities.
The 26-member STE team creates and tests synthetic training programs at the state-ofthe-art Technology Integration Facility, Orlando, Florida. Soldier touchpoints also take place throughout the year. Industry partners can demonstrate new tech products at the Orlando facility, Soldiers can try out new virtual training programs, while Army leaders gain hands-on insight into emerging technologies that could be used to improve future force readiness.
The STE Information System is a virtual training system being developed by STE Enterprise. It uses 3D imagery of terrain and high resolution graphics to recreate the rigors and complexity of a fast-paced multi-domain operational environment. The CFT can use its One World Terrain mapping program, which allows the import of actual terrain data to visually transport the user anywhere in the world.
Brig. Director of the STE CFT, Gen. William R. Glaser. Leaders can then use STE to conduct reconnaissance and war games, as well as rehearsals.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are incorporated into STE programs. These processes help to accurately simulate warfighting elements such as weapons movements, enemy threats, and combat stressors. These programs not only create and simulate difficult scenarios for Soldiers but also collect detailed data about how Soldiers react to pressure. This information can be used to help with operational planning and training needs, as well as to increase training thresholds.
Importantly, the STE CFT also aims to integrate virtual training tools into existing Army Systems and live training exercises. This will create a whole-of–resources approach to delivering the best possible training programs to Soldiers.
CFT is currently improving its Squad Immersive Trainer (SiVT) which is a mixed-reality training tool that allows Soldiers to use their own organic weapons in training scenarios. It is delivered through the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, (IVAS), and combines simulated images with actual Soldiers’ surroundings.
Soldiers will be able, as a group, to conduct multiple iterations and rehearsals for combat, once SiVT has been equipped with IVAS. These transportive training scenarios will require little preparation on the part the trainer. Leaders will also be able conduct near-immediate after-action review.
Additionally, every STE tool was designed to be easy-to-use, efficient, effective and comprehensively accessible to all Soldiers at virtually any home or deployment location. STE has many future possibilities due to its inherent flexibility, ability to deliver at scale, and ease of use.
Glaser stated that we will reach our goal state when a training facility like the STE is so critical that commanders ask it to support reconnaissance, wargaming and rehearsal while deployed.
