In a significant advancement in military training, the US Army Special Forces recently completed virtual shooting exercises employing an artificial intelligence-powered weapon simulator at the Human Performance Training Center in Fort Carson, Colorado.
The exercise, conducted by soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group – Airborne (10th SFG-A), showcased the effectiveness of VirTra, a cutting-edge simulation platform tailored for military and law enforcement personnel.
Cutting-edge simulation technology enhances training capabilities
VirTra offers immersive ballistics and arms qualification courses, presenting various scenarios vital for honing soldiers’ skills in unconventional warfare and counterterrorism. The platform’s versatility allows training in high-risk entry, active threat response, hostage situations, and threat identification missions.
This upgrade over the traditional Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) provides a dynamic training environment that combines marksmanship with physical stress simulations, as elucidated by 10th SFG-A Cognitive Performance Specialist Jake Blumberg.
The 10th SFG-A is the sole unit with full-time access to this advanced training capability. This localized opportunity enables operators to continuously refine their fundamentals and enhance personal shooting skills without the constraints of reserving ranges or procuring supplies for practice.
Integrating VirTra into their training regimen ensures a comprehensive approach, encompassing weapons qualification, flat-range practice, reaction drills, and threat-not-threat scenarios.
Fostering lethality through continuous improvement
At the core of this initiative lies the objective to increase lethality through rigorous and consistent training. By providing soldiers with a platform to refine their marksmanship skills and reinforce fundamental techniques, the US Army aims to enhance operational readiness and effectiveness in diverse combat scenarios.
As emphasized by military personnel, the adage “practice makes permanent” underscores the importance of continuous training to instill precision and proficiency in handling firearms.
