Virtual weapons provide real training for security forces

  • Published
  • By Daryl Mayer
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) --  Security forces personnel here are aiming to use "virtual bullets" to help Airmen hit the target on the first shot.

The "bullets" are actually beams of light fired from a weapon that is identical in almost every way to those used in the field. 

The weapons -- rifles, pistols or light machine guns -- work in concert with computers and video projectors to offer a wide range of weapons training scenarios.

"The weapons look, feel and weigh the same because they are real weapons that have had some of the inside parts exchanged to fire beams of light instead of live rounds," said Senior Airman Caleb Loposser, the 88th Security Forces Squadron trainer. "They use compressed air to simulate weapon recoil and give a completely realistic experience."

Squadron officials plan to use the Firearms Training Simulator to help Airmen work on the fundamentals before they head to the live-fire range for qualification.

"Many Airmen rarely get the chance to practice firing or even handle their weapon before they are required to fire for qualification or deploy to the field," Airman Loposser said. "This system gives us a cost-effective and safe way to work on the basics and help Airmen successfully qualify the first time."

Critical techniques such as breath control and trigger finger placement can make the difference during qualification. Airmen also get the chance to practice their ability to reload quickly without losing your grip on the weapon, or the ability to clear a misfire; critical skills when under fire. With the opportunity to practice, these skills and techniques can become second nature.

"Every time we have to refire someone that failed qualification, it costs the Air Force $236 including the man-hours and ammunition," Airman Loposser said. "It might not sound like much, but it adds up."

To date, squadron officials have trained a cadre of instructors from several Wright-Patterson AFB units. Those instructors will schedule time to use the Firearms Training Simulator to train their unit personnel before visiting the range.

The security forces are also looking at other training scenarios the Firearms Training Simulator offers to help keep Airmen ready. Scenarios have been built that allow Airmen to engage moving targets with their M-4 rifle and then quickly transition to their M-9 sidearm.

"You just can't do training like that on a live fire range because it is simply too dangerous," Airman Loposser said. "But it is a critical skill you must have to survive in a hostile environment. The enemy will not stand still while you shoot at him."

There are also "use of force" scenarios that can be tailored using a handheld camcorder to achieve specific training objectives. These scenarios, commonly referred to as "shoot or don't shoot," can enhance training for security forces augmentees by putting them in the stressful position of making a split second decision on whether to fire a weapon.

As this program progresses, data will be gathered to see the impact in qualification scores. Other impacts, such as the ability to hit a real enemy target while deployed may be harder to measure.

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