JUNE 9, 2017, MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – The Marine Corps uses parts of kinetic and virtual training to enhance their readiness, the Battle Simulation Center located in building 1655 is one of several virtual training facilities aboard the Combat Center.
The Battle Simulation Center, located on the main side as well as Camp Wilson, supports the Corps by providing units with various training simulations that assist in individual, small unit and staff level operations. The technology available helps the Marines feel a sense of realism of their environment as well as provide communication with artillery units, aircrafts and other Marines.
“When we have to conduct certain exercises in which we believe the risk of injury is too high, so we practice in the simulations first,” said Maj. Jesse Attig, officer in charge, BSC, Marine Corps Air Ground Task for Training Command. “When the Marines go to do the live exercise then the risk is much lower since the Marines know how to react to each situation.”
The BSC provides training for any size unit from individual to regiment, for any warfighting discipline from infantry to logistics, and from all parts of the combat spectrum from full-scale war to establishing local governance.
“We break up our training into live, virtual, and constructive training,” Attig said. “Live training consists of real people using real systems, virtual training is live people using virtual systems and constructive training is virtual people using virtual systems.”
In constructive training, the Marines can see what is supposed to be done in certain situations. Once the Marines understand what to do they move onto virtual training, where they can put their knowledge into action. The simulations allow the Marines to receive live feedback from their instructors, this allows the Marines to make mistakes and be corrected without risk of injury or loss of resources. After the Marines have had a chance to practice and be coached in a safe environment they can move on to live training.
“The different weapons the Marines train with in the simulation can range from the M9 service pistol to mortars, shotguns, and heavy machine guns,” Attig said. “The center also has different vehicle simulations where Marines can practice not only movement of troops but dealing with enemy resistance, medical evacuations and many other situations where Marines would have to think on their feet.”
Camp Wilson Simulators and the BSC Annex have made simulation available to service members from the main side, and visiting units. A simulation complex includes the large task trainers as well as a small simulation center. All of the vehicle and convoy simulators are housed at Camp Wilson. Camp Wilson offers a wide array of simulation opportunities for visiting units.
The BSC’s hours of operations are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, but the BSC can accommodate its schedule based on the training needs of the unit.
The Marines have three locations where virtual training can be done, building 1655 and 1707, Camp Wilson and the rifle range.
By Courtesy Story, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms