Army testing new training at Fort Hood

FORT HOOD, Texas (KXAN) - An integrated training system which could provide a glimpse at the future of Army training is being unveiled at Fort Hood this month.

The “Integrated Architecture” program combines virtual, live and constructive training, which allows a brigade to simulate Army operations using tanks, helicopters and soldiers on the ground all in a single exercise.

“To take an entire brigade combat team and try to train them like this would cost taxpayers a tremendous amount of money,” said Col. Robert Whittle with the “Black Jack” brigade that is taking part in the training exercises.

But the virtual aspect of the training allows those training operations to happen at a much lower cost, and soldiers could receive the training without being deployed.

The integrated training can simulate many different virtual scenarios for battle.

“We are able to bring everything together,” said Whittle. “There is no science fiction. It is no different than what we have on a real battlefield.”

Tank and helicopter operations are simulated from modules that replicate the inside of a tank or chopper. They can communicate with a command center that monitors the operations and can move units around with a click of a computer mouse.

Finally, soldiers on the ground are still taking part in live training situations that are simulated with enemies, obstacles and blank rounds of ammunition.

However, the integrated technology even adds an extra layer of realism to live training. Lasers and a special vest worn by soldiers on foot provide information on gunfire.

“We can tell exactly which guy was firing, where the bullets are coming from and who the bullets hit,” said First Lt. Charles Foy.

The integrated training is taking place at Fort Hood during September and could eventually be adopted Army-wide once deficiencies in the training are identified and fixed.

Whittle says the combination of virtual, constructive and live training offers as real a simulation as one could ask for in training.

“As technology has advanced in the real world, our ability to train has advanced as well," he said.