49th Armored Division — Overseas Deployments, Modernization, and a Mobilization Study… All Part of the Texas Guard’s Training This Year

49th ARMORED DIVISION

Overseas Deployments, Modernization, And a Mobilization Study... All Part of The Texas Guard’s Training This Year The Guard’straining paradigm was also altered by the 1-163rd Infantry Battalion, which was just organized and completed its Bradley New Equipment Training last year. This year, it completed most of Bradley Table VIII qualification during drill weekends and conducted Bradley Table XII midway through AT. It was the first time Bradley Table XII was performed at the Orchard Training Area. The 1-163rd Mech Battalion’s achievement was due in large measure to their innovation and dedication to the SIMITAR’s Bradley compressed gunnery program. This program closely follows the Abrams compressed gunnery program with one exception. The Bradley program uses a Full-crew Simulation Trainer which includes the dismounted infantrymen (Bradley-FIST) system. This system did not exist until the SIMITAR trainers identified the need for a simulation device that simultaneously trained mounted and dismounted troops. In the past, mounted troops went to one location and the dismounted troops went to another location for training. Now, Bradley-FIST allows both mounted and dismounted troops to train together in one location. It is the only simulation device like it in existence. The Bradley-FIST is appended to a Bradley that is integrated with the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). The EST is a computer simulation device that allows dismounted troops to engage targets portrayed on a video screen. The resourceful 116th Cavalry Brigade again broke new ground by field testing an innovative Combat Service and Support version of Janus. It was created at the request of the Brigade’s BMMO and S-4. The brigade has a resident Janus programmer who improves and adapts the Janus database system to meet the brigade’s needs.

The refined war simulation program now includes an extensive service and support database. This addition allows commanders to use the program to train units in combat maneuvers as well as providing food, fuel, ammunition, parts, equipment, personnel replacements, and medical support to combat units. The CSS “play” begins when commanders request supplies and evacuation of injured personnel and damaged equipment. Each commander (down to company level) can actually “see” the extent of damage to his or her company via icons on the digital battlefield display. Icons represent items such as broken vehicles and injured personnel. Depending on what they see, leaders generate the necessary equipment and personnel reports and send them through the proper channels. Commanders and staff can also watch each individual support elements move on the simulated battlefield and witness the results of their decisions, just as they would in reality. The training achievements of the Snake River Brigade are closely monitored by the National Guard Bureau. With money and training areas becoming less available, all National Guard units will need to learn how to utilize these scarce resources better. The programs and strategies developed in the Snake River Brigade, through SIMITAR, will help these units meet the challenge of “doing more with less.”

(This article was prepared by 1LT Dia Logan, 116 CAV PAO.)