“By putting these guys in a simulated combat en-
vironment against a simulated enemy that shoots
back, they’re required to work as a team to win
and survive.” —Ron Webb, Tennessee M-CCTT facilitator
to seek out possible targets. Static tion selection is critical. In cur- and training facilitators, they dis-
in radio transmissions varies de- rent combat theaters, identifying cuss areas to sustain and improve.
pending on the virtual vehicle’s the enemy isn’t always clear-cut, “On top of all else, we’re building
location in the virtual fi eld: If it’s prompting facilitators of the M- teams, getting them comfortable
too far away from the command CCTT to load simulators so they working together, preparing them
center, radio communications are can depict any of the threats facing for the dangers of modern warfare,”
severed completely until it moves today’s soldiers. Shannon says.
back in range. The purpose, Shannon explains, Webb agrees, adding that the
“Reloading” the simulator takes is not necessarily for crews and M-CCTT is an outstanding way
time as well, placing a simulated platoons to make it from point A to to build team cohesiveness: “By
tank or Bradley out of a fi refi ght point B alive but rather for them to putting these guys in a simulated
until more ammunition is loaded. encounter multiple threats — con- combat environment against a
“If they go out and ‘John Wayne it,’ ventional or otherwise — during simulated enemy that shoots back,
squeezing off round after round their time in the simulators. they’re required to work as a team
without concise fi re commands and to win and survive.”
fi re control measures adhered to, Lessons learned There are a few drawbacks. Re-
they will soon fi nd they are out of At the end of each mission, platoons loading ammo and making repairs
ammo,” Shannon points out. return to the command-and-control in the fi eld must be simulated, using
Once crews have identifi ed trailer for an after-action review the time required to complete the
threats on the battlefi eld, ammuni- where, along with their commander tasks as the measuring medium.
Graphic representations, though
already realistic, could use some
improvement, but Webb thinks that
will come in time.
For those who use the M-CCTT,
the facilitators themselves are a “tre-
mendous asset” to the M-CCTT’s
state-of-the-art equipment — guys
who’ve spent a lot of time in armor,
Nalls says. “Such a deep degree of
experience is a huge training advan-
tage,” he adds. “If the commanders
are smart, they’re taking advantage
of this training.” MO
A battlefield view, as seen from
inside an M-CCTT simulator, pro-
vides soldiers with the sights and
sounds of a real battle.
60 MILITARY OFFICER AUGUST 2008 PHOTO: BETH UNDERWOOD
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