Virtual and Augmented Reality Simulations enable armed forces personnel to plan and rehearse tactical operations prior to execution of operations on-the-ground. The STE-VARP platform offers tactical and per-operational training, as well as total support in the battle-field and post-operational review.
STE-VARP platform allows for training of soldiers from basic level (fresh recruits) to complex special operations [SpecOps] by veteran troops. The versatility of this platform allows for the trainees to be immersed in an environment that creates the geography and topography of any country in the world, replicating the same type of terrain and environment where they will be required to conduct their mission.
Advantages of STE-VARP platform:
- Operational and situational awareness, allowing operation commanders better tools for monitoring troops, operations space, and time management. The troops have on-ground awareness provided by real-time information which is superimposed on their augmented reality systems.
- Combat training at reduced costs, without using expensive field equipment and consumables. The STE-VARP training platform is effective in training in globally diverse environments that allows experiential, realistic and immersive training.
- Other advantages:
o Safer training environments
o Mission rehearsals with deeper immersive experience
o Terrain diversity and customization
o Real-time targeting assistance
o Enhanced spatial awareness
o Engaged mission planning
o Operational efficiency measurement
The STE-VARP platform also includes connectivity of the operational squads with their support and back-up forces, and command HQ. From regular training to operational mission rehearsals, the flexibility of the STE-VARP platform is unrestricted and scalable as needed.
As the armed forces modernize their Integrated Training Structure to overcome the issues of multi-domain operational environment, the use of STE-VARP technologies is crucial for focused training of the troops to enable them to win against a rapidly modernizing adversary. Current simulated training capacity operates in facility based, closed and restrictive environment that require high overhead expenditure in terms of support personnel and maintenance; and do not support the full range of mission command information systems that are the necessity of modern, current warfare that is conducted in a complex operational environment. Current training capabilities are unable to offer training in electronic warfare, cyberspace and multi-operational environments that troops will fight in.
STE-VARP platform can be used to train and rehearse simultaneously in three major areas of battle-field operations: Forward deployed operational force, supply-line / logistics units and command staff at operational HQs; for better synchronization among these verticals. The required parameter matrix(s) will have to be developed through cooperation between the armed forces policy planners and the STE-VARP platform developers.
Once fully developed, the STE-VARP platform will allow for theater level operational planning; including logistics, validation of troop landing areas, staging and forward movement and integration between commands. This platform will also replicate with high accuracy, the complex operational environment during training phases to accurately portray the operational area terrain, weather pattern, cultural issues of urban warfare and threat perceptions.
The training design and management component of the platform will allow policy planners and field commanders to create specific training scenarios quickly and efficiently. The user-friendly program will prompt users to consider all aspects of an operation from initiation to completion.
The focus of the training will be on high-intensity conflict with flexibility of operating in various terrains, and under constant observation. Training will be realistic, interactive, dynamic and iterative; putting personnel of all ranks under immense pressure to perform psychologically and physically with continuous movement, war-zone innovation and integration of capabilities from command level to the individual trooper for enhanced operational capability.
A crucial component of this training and operational system is the generically defined Tactical Augmented Reality Display [TARP]. TARP is based on the heads-up display unit [HUDU] used by fighter pilots where all their crucial information (fuel level, armament readiness, spatial data, weapon targeting, et al) is superimposed onto the pilots’ visor for better situational awareness.
TARP is based on the same principles where a head-mounted unit offers the possibilities of ensuring that the individual soldier knows his/ her exact location and the positions of his/her team members along-with positions of enemy troops. TARP operates in all environments, from bright day light to pitch black, and is embedded with GPS and secure communication system that connects real time to team-members, command post and HQ command simultaneously.
TARP can be easily synchronized with the soldier’s weapon using modern technology (local wireless, thermal mapping, laser pointer, et.al) whereby the soldier can see the target clearly and the measured distance to it. Sensors in TARP and mounted on the soldier’s helmet allows for the analysis of wind patterns and wind-speeds to enhance the accuracy of target acquisition.
In a CQB environment, the display can be split-up so that the soldier can simultaneously observe the gun-barrel’s line of sight and the panoramic view in the front, all through a high-resolution helmet mounted camera. Essentially, this allows the soldier to see around corners or over walls, without the risk of getting shot.
The TARP’s embedded secure communication system allows squad / platoon members to share information among themselves and with the operational command-post on a real-time basis, which is significant as ground operations are mostly fluid with rapid changes. Communications can be relayed to HQs via a command post relay or directly from squad / platoon leader to the HQ via satellite.
Potential hurdles in efficiency:
o Informational overload:
When too much data is available without being properly structured. Filtration of data to the soldiers TARP is essential to avoid overload and prevent distraction.
o Dependence on Augmented Reality technology:
There will be concerns that policy makers might make key decisions with too much reliance on AR enhancements. This might allow disruption of the AR systems by the enemy, giving them battle-field advantage. Hence, the STE-VAR system must have flexibility of basic on-ground decision making, using traditional decision-making tools as needed.
o Data security:
Handling of AR/VR data storing, its transmission and communication systems is always a prominent concern in the armed forces. Encryption and accreditation of equipment and applications loaded onto the system will require constant vigilance and upgrading of data security protocols.
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