Page 56 - MERCIAN Eagle 2019

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Unit Based Virtual
Training
DRAGON Coy had a unique opportunity
to conduct a week-long training package on the new Unit Based Virtual Training simulation software in CYPRUS. This is a much-improved version of the Virtual Battle Simulator (VBS) as used at the Specialist Weapons School in Warminster. This offers a particularly good training opportunity
for the Company. It allows the individual specialist platoons to be tested to failure
– and explore different way of operating throughout a multitude of environments. It is also free – and more importantly – realistic.
The training on the UBVT commenced with lessons on how to utilise the software. Once the Coy was familiarised with the operating system, we continued onto Individual/Section level training, then progressed onto both Platoon
and Company level exercises.
For the Mortars - the UBVT did not
DRAGON Coy RECCE Pl conducting contact drills on the UBVT. Oct 2019.
require soldiers to man the mortar line within UBVT system as the rounds on the ground were fired by a fire controller, to
that end we deployed an actual mortar line outside of the UBVT building and took the opportunity to conduct
low level training whilst
the MFCs and Platoon
HQ were employed on
the UBVT. This gave the
soldiers on the Mortar
line vital time to use
the equipment and get
some good training
before integrating into
combined training with
the MFCs. Once the
initial training was complete, the MFCs were able to call in fire missions and destroy
the enemy with ease. There were inter- operability frustrations between the mortar line and the MFCs, however by the end of it fire plans were being sent to the mortar line
and the Section Commander was able to fire a fire plan. This would coincide with the effect on the ground within the UBVT.
The system was also hugely beneficial for the Anti-Tank Platoon. When the system is set you can decide what equipment you are going to give your platoons by placing weapon cashes around your exercise area. This is ideal, especially for the Javelin as
it gives us the correct range of weapon
systems that we need in order to conduct their specialist training. It also contains a package of over 50 different vehicles – allowing
for AFV practice and revision.
Machine Guns and Recce took advantage of the different mapping that was available.
They initially used a conventional operating environment (SPTA) – and then moved onto more contemporary areas such as actual grounds contained within Afghanistan
and Iraq. Everyone had the opportunity to control his own man and conduct low
DRAGON Coy Mortar Pl simulating calling in fires on the UBVT. Oct 2019.
level skills and drills to the level of detail of contact drills.
From a Coy perspective the system allowed us to come together and integrate as an ISTAR asset. It gave the soldiers within the company an idea of what we
are capable of, and what different types of effects we could achieve. Not only did it allow for the junior individual to practice his role – but the Officers and seniors were able to conduct estimate training and take part in the planning side of life.
All in all, an excellent experience - and hugely recommended to anyone that this may be available to.
Once the initial training was complete, the MFCs were able to call in fire missions and destroy the enemy with ease
DRAGON Coy Mortar Pl setting up a Mortar Line to practice calling in fires on the UBVT. Oct 2019.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE