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USACE Marks 250 Years with Pivotal Support to the Army’s Birthday

July 4th, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the U.S. Army celebrated its 250th anniversary June 14 with a birthday festival and parade in the nation’s capital, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was hard at work behind the scenes and on the logistical front lines. In a powerful intersection of history and engineering excellence, USACE’s contributions helped ensure parade success while also symbolizing its own 250th anniversary of building and defending the nation.

Just two days later, June 16, USACE marked its own 250th anniversary, dual milestones that illustrate the organization’s longstanding role in supporting the nation and the warfighter.

“Army engineers have served and strengthened America since 1775,” said Lt. Gen. William “Butch” Graham Jr., USACE commanding general and 56th Chief of Engineers. “We are proud to carry on that legacy as we continue engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges.”

Protecting the Parade Route: USACE Baltimore District installs protective plating

One of the parade’s logistical challenges was how to safely operate heavy tracked vehicles like the M1 Abrams main battle tanks, M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, M109 Paladins and M88 Hercules recovery vehicles through the heart of Washington, D.C. In particular, the Abrams, weighing more than 140,000 pounds and nearly 30 times the weight of a standard SUV, could have posed a risk to city streets, especially at any turning points where tracked vehicles must pivot, creating added stress and friction on asphalt.

To help protect the parade route, USACE Baltimore District spearheaded the installation of metal plating at critical 13 pivot points along the route. These protective measures ensured that turns and idling points where tracked vehicles exert the most pressure would not result in damage to the roads.

“The infrastructure protection plan was a success,” said Baltimore District Commander Col. Francis Pera. “Close coordination with partner agencies allowed us to honor our rich history while preserving the structural integrity of D.C.’s roadways.”

Plate removal was complete by June 17 and officials determined the protective plates performed as intended. Subsurface inspections will also be completed in the coming weeks in conjunction with the NPS.

Beyond the protective plating, other key precautions included installation of new rubber track pads on all tracked vehicles to avoid the stresses of direct metal-on-pavement contact, and slow driving speeds that allowed vehicle crews to exercise maximum caution as they moved along the route.

Geospatial Precision: AGC mapping supports parade safety and planning

Beyond road protection, the Army Geospatial Center (AGC) played a crucial role in assessing the parade route through geospatial analysis. The Geospatial Visualization Team (GVT) from the Warfighter Support Directorate’s Engagements Branch conducted ground-based video reconnaissance both before and after the Army’s 250th Birthday parade to support damage assessments and potential repair planning.

Using vehicle-mounted cameras, the team captured more than 155 gigabytes of high-resolution 4K video from both the front and rear perspectives of the route. Engineers then reviewed and analyzed the footage to identify any signs of road damage directly linked to the movement of tracked and heavy wheeled Army vehicles.

Keeping the Mission on Track: ERDC optimizes vehicle transport

Further north in Jessup, Maryland, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) played a pivotal role in the logistical success of the parade. With just hours to offload more than 60 heavy combat vehicles, engineers turned to ERDC’s Rapidly Available Interface for trans-Loading (RAIL) system, a mobile solution built to speed up rail operations while reducing manpower and safety risks.

“The RAIL system for rail ops proved 100% critical for timely operations,” said Col. Brandon Perdue, NORTHCOM Plans Team chief. “This system reduced download and upload times from about 2.5 days on both ends to just a few hours. Without this system, the only option for tracked vehicle download was a single crane.”

The modular RAIL system was designed to offload military vehicles at any point along a rail line, providing greater operational flexibility to quickly move combat power where and when it’s needed most. Two RAIL systems were used to simultaneously unload the various tracked and wheeled vehicles. Soldiers received onsite training from ERDC experts, proving how the organization’s innovation directly supports mission readiness and modern solutions.

Building the Nation, Supporting the Army

As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues celebrating 250 years of service to the nation, the role of Army Engineers remains vital. From battlefield engineering in the Revolutionary War to modern-day infrastructure, mapping and mobility solutions, Army Engineers continue to deliver solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges.

By MAJ Spencer Garrison and Kathryne Gest

Saab Receives Order for Ground-Based Air Defence from Sweden

July 3rd, 2025

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the mobile short-range air defence solution RBS 70 NG with missiles. The order value is approximately SEK 1.5 billion and deliveries are scheduled 2027-2028. This order was booked in Q2 2025.

The order also includes equipment which will enable the Swedish Armed Forces to integrate the system on a Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) solution in the future. 

“We are continuously contributing to strengthening the capabilities of the Swedish Armed Forces and Saab’s air defence systems play a vital role in keeping Sweden’s skies secure,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Saab’s MSHORAD system with RBS 70 NG features an automatic target tracker and a built-in night sight and provides the user with capability to defeat threats including aircraft, drones and missiles from distances of up to nine kilometers.

Primary Arms Exclusive Source for Geissele Blemula Line

July 3rd, 2025

We’re excited to announce a powerful new partnership between Primary Arms and Geissele Automatics!

In addition to having the largest selection of Geissele products online, Primary Arms is now the exclusive source for the highly sought-after Geissele ‘Blemula’ blemished product line, which offers the full performance of Geissele products at a fraction of the regular price.

This collaboration brings together Geissele’s industry-leading craftsmanship and innovation with Primary Arms’ commitment to providing everyday great prices and world-class service.

Primary Arms now offers the most comprehensive selection of Geissele products available anywhere. From small parts to complete rifles and accessories, PA is the best place to shop for anything Geissele.

Shop confidently with Primary Arms’ renowned customer service, easy ordering, and fast shipping.

www.primaryarms.com

ASA Statement on Final Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill

July 3rd, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Suppressor Association (ASA) issued a statement following the final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminates the National Firearms Act (NFA) tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill passed by Congress and sent to President Trump’s desk includes a $200 million annual tax cut for gun owners,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association. “While we fought hard on behalf of millions of Americans for full removal of suppressors and other items from the NFA tax scheme, this outcome is a critical step in our plan to dismantle the NFA once and for all. We will not stop fighting until that goal is achieved.”

ASA also joined the National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation in a joint statement announcing pending litigation to challenge the NFA following the elimination of the tax: 

“When President Trump signs the One Big Beautiful Bill — which will eliminate the excise tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs — he will have delivered the biggest blow to the National Firearms Act since its passage nearly a century ago. We thank President Trump for his leadership and every member of Congress who fought for law-abiding gun owners throughout the reconciliation process.

“By eliminating the excise tax on these NFA items, the OBBB will not only lift the heavy burden of an unconstitutional tax from the backs of hard-working Americans, it will also serve as a critical step towards our ultimate goal of dismantling the NFA once and for all. But there is much work yet to be done. 

“While we will continue to fight for the total legislative elimination of the NFA, our organizations are proud to stand together in a new strategic lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of the NFA in Federal Court.”

Beez Combat Systems Launches Uncrewed Systems Line

July 3rd, 2025

As the landscape of modern warfare evolves, Beez Combat Systems is leading the charge with its newly launched “Uncrewed Systems” line; specially designed for drone operators and warfighters evading thermal detection. This cutting-edge tactical gear line acknowledges a clear shift: The battlefield is no longer confined to boots on the ground. Drones and autonomous systems are now critical assets in reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical engagement.

www.beezcombatsystems.com/collections/uncrewed-systems

Introducing the Bongo Gear SLAM Pack!

July 3rd, 2025

Bongo Gear is proud to announce the release of the incredible SLAM Pack! The SLAM Pack is a purpose-built, mission-driven, multi-operational pack designed with an emphasis on tropical/jungle operations. The pack was developed in closecollaboration with the experts at Tactical Tracking Operations School, Inc.(TTOS) and it is the result of over four years of intensive research, development, and field testing.

TTOS is known for their expertise in jungle operations and TTOS cadre haveconducted jungle warfare training for various Special Operations Forces for well over a decade. The team at TTOS was instrumental in bringing the SLAM Pack to life and the pack was evolved through both training and operational use. The SLAM Pack was specifically designed to meet the unique, rigorous, and harshdemands of vertical mobility and jungle operations. A large portion of the field testing of the pack was carried out during repeated deployments and training rotations in the PACOM area of operations.

The name “SLAM” is inspired by the legendary MACV-SOG’s SLAMcompanies. MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group). SLAM is the acronym for Search, Locate, Annihilate, and Monitor missions. MACV-SOG performed extremely dangerous and demandingtop-secret, deep reconnaissance and interdiction operations that required equipment as rugged, resilient, and adaptable as the courageous men who carried it. The SLAM Pack honors that legacy with a design that merges the demands and qualities of extreme ruggedness and practicality with mission-driven utility.

The SLAM Pack comes in at about 35 liters total. It was designed with jungle/water ops, technical rope work (rappels, climbing, etc.), and free-fall as part of its DNA.  It is a mission-first solution for operators working in extremely demanding and logistically isolated environments. Every feature is based on real-world needs derived from many years of jungle warfare instruction and operational deployments. Every detail incorporated was designed for utility andpracticality and to ensure the pack is rugged and reliable and that it meetsessential requirements.

Only the highest quality, U.S.A.-made Mil-Spec, NIR compliant fabric, webbing, and hardware are used in the making of a SLAM Pack. Fabrics and components are selected to help reduce signature and facilitate silent movement through dense terrain and double and triple-canopy jungle.

SLAMS Packs are available in Ranger Green and Vietnam Tiger Stripe. Other colors such as Multicam Tropic and Multicam/OCP are available upon request (minimum order quantity applies).

KEY FEATURES:

• Quick-Drain External Pouches (2) with adjustable buckle closures, drawstring collars, and pass-throughs with hook & loop. Pouches are large enough to easily accommodate 2-liter water bottles. Each pouch is about 2.5 liter capacity.

• Superior Drainage provided via heavy-duty Mil-Spec woven mesh. Water drains almost instantaneously.

• Ergonomic and Comfortable Shoulder Straps with adjustable chest strap.

• SLAM Lid Configuration with single, center-point fastener for quick opening and closing; quick-drain zippered Claymore pouch; horizontal Daisy Chain; large loop pile for attaching luminous tape/identification markers/morale patches/etc.; underside zippered mesh pocket for maps/documents/miscellaneous.  

• Quick-Drain External Zippered Pouch located above the two front buckled pouches. 

• Internal Daisy Chain attachment points for securing radio pouches, carabiners, tubes (e.g. LAW rockets), etc. using Voilé-style straps and cord.

• Internal Pockets (2) on inside front panel – a top zippered pocket for secure storage and an open-top bottom pocket for quick-access items.

• Removable Plastic Framesheet/Closed-cell Foam Back Pad – framesheet with bendable central aluminum stay to add structure and 1/2″ thick foam to provide padding and some flotation.

• Center-Mounted External Daisy Chain and Lashing Loop (ice axe loop) for modular attachment.

• Reinforced Carry Handle at the top of the pack back. Handle is large enough for use with gloved hands.

• Horizontal Daisy Chain on both sides above the PALS webbing for clipping on carabiners and for tie-points.

• PALS Webbing on both side panels for modular expansion.

• Copious Amounts of Drainage Mesh in all water entrapment areas for rapid water evacuation and elimination of water retention.

• Integrated A-Frame Webbing System (“A-harness”) for parachute harness interface and lowering of pack prior to ground impact.

         ? Note: The SLAM Pack has been designed, fabricated, and tested for jumping but it is not currently “certified for airborne operations.”

• Retaining tabs (4) for retention of pack lowering line during technical mobility operations. Tabs are located on the lid just aft of the zippered Claymore pouch.

For procurement inquiries, custom orders, detailed spec sheets, and bulk unit pricing, contact Bongo Gear Sales at info@bongogear.com  or visit www.bongogear.com.

Equip your team to Search, Locate, Annihilate, and Monitor — and bring every operator home.

MARTE – Main ARmoured Tank of Europe

July 3rd, 2025

Key Facts:

MARTE ARGE leading a consortium of 51 entities from 11 EU Member States plus Norway

MARTE project awarded by European Commission with a grant of approximately €20 Mio. from the European Defence Fund (EDF)

Comprehensive Consortium to design the next generation, future Main Battle Tank system

Grant Agreement signed and Kick-Off-Meeting conducted: Project successfully launched

The European defense sector takes a significant step forward with the launch of the Project MARTE (acronym for Main ARmoured Tank of Europe), a cutting-edge and highly promising initiative designed to strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy by addressing the crucial asset of a Main Battle Tank (MBT) System.

Coordinated and led by MARTE ARGE GbR, a joint venture company between KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, the MARTE project brings together complementary industrial partners including leading, large entities as well as MidCaps, research institutions and innovative Small and Medium Enitities (SMEs). The ambitious proposal prepared and submitted to the European Commission has been awarded with a Grant from the European Defence Fund of approximately €20 Mio. In addition to the funding granted by the European Commission, the MARTE consortium receives strong support from in total 11 Ministries of Defense (MoDs) as potential future customers. Led by the German MoD, the MoDs from the following Member States are contributing: Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania and Sweden. At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, this initiative expresses the desire for greater strategic autonomy in defense and security matters and thus MARTE represents a strategic investment in Europe’s defense capabilities.

MARTE aims to conduct study and design activities to create a future MBT-System, that adequately meets current and future threats, and the harmonized needs of the European Member States involved. By integrating innovative and disruptive technologies a resilient defense system is to be designed, tailored to the evolving challenges of modern warfare and considering lessons learned from current conflicts.

To achieve this ambitious goal, a consortium composed of 51 legal entities from 12 European Countries (11 Member States plus Norway) has agreed to contribute their respective expertise and gained experiences in the best possible way. MARTE is fostering technological innovation and leveraging cross-border collaboration.

In its role as coordinator, MARTE ARGE takes over the project coordination and manages the project with support of the consulting company Erdyn and a core team of five top-tier defense companies: KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH (both Germany), Leonardo SPA (Italy), Indra Sistemas SA (Spain) and SAAB AB (Sweden).

Building on their pertinent and significant know-how and know-why in the field of Main Battle Tanks, each of them manages one of the five technical Work Packages in which the project’s scope has been clustered – with all further companies (see depiction below) contributing with their relevant technical knowledge.

With MARTE ARGE and the European Commission signing the Grant Agreement, the MARTE project started on 01st of December 2024 officially. By conducting the Kick-Off Meeting on 5th and 6th of December 2024 in Stockholm, MARTE ARGE as project coordinator brought together both key stakeholders as well as all consortium partners and launched the project with great success.

Reality Check – US Army Upgrades Training Aids

July 3rd, 2025

LIVE ACTIONSoldiers train with synthetic Claymore mine, mortar, grenade and Stinger weapons systems to determine if they accurately portray a live-fire weapon during an operational demonstration of the STE LTS at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Johnson, Louisiana in January 2024. (Photo by Ariana Aubuchon, PEO STRI)

Haptics improvements to Army simulation training makes virtual environments feel more realistic.

Simulation doesn’t replace live training, but with enhancements to its digital programs, along with haptics improvements, the Army will soon be able to augment existing programs and replicate weapons like direct fire, counter-defilade and directed energy that, until now, couldn’t be replicated through simulation. Making interactions with virtual environments or digital devices feels more realistic and tactile.

Haptics is the use of technology to simulate the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations or motions to the user via wearable suits or devices (i.e., gloves, vests, watches). While it is not currently used in live force-on-force training—a training method that combines live action with virtual and constructive training—it will be used going forward to bridge the gap between virtual training and real-world experiences. The result is a safer, more effective and more cost-efficient way to prepare Soldiers for various operational scenarios, and this technology is particularly valuable in effectively addressing modern military challenges—from urban warfare to cyber-defense training.

“Haptic technology in combination with immersive VR/AR [virtual reality and augmented reality] technologies and artificial intelligence [AI] form a critical architecture element within emerging Army training systems,” said Chief Technology Officer Marwane Bahbaz, Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI). “And simulations using virtual reality and haptic capabilities drastically increase immersion and improve retention and learning in training exercises.” This means that Soldiers can safely and effectively practice high-risk or complex scenarios like piloting a plane or handling dangerous machinery with more confidence and less risk than in real life.

He explained that haptics “increases combat realism in the collective training environment because it induces combat stress to Soldiers, ensuring that the execution of the mission, the decision-making process and the overall combined arms tasks are validated.” Inducing combat stress in the training environment mimics the emotions and fatigue Soldiers could face when engaged in combat so they are better able to anticipate these sensations in the peer threat environment.

The Synthetic Training Environment Live Training System (STE LTS), which uses virtual technology to simulate combat environments for Soldiers, is advancing haptic technology with environmental hardening (increasing resistance to stress or threats) to enhance training resilience and cost efficiency and continues to monitor and invest in evolving haptic innovations.

REAL-WORLD BENEFITSA Soldier from the 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, takes part in an operational demonstration of the Synthetic Training Environment Live Training Systems (STE LTS), designed and fielded by PEO STRI, at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson, Louisiana. STE LTS allows Soldiers to take part in more reps and sets than they would with live fire, while reducing training costs and improving safety. (Photo by Ariana Aubuchon, PEO STRI)

SYNTHETIC TRAINING ENVIRONMENT
In 2017, the Army began developing the Synthetic Training Environment (STE) with the goal of achieving initial operational capability by 2021 and full operational capability (a highly realistic and immersive training environment) by 2023. Some features are currently being used for training, while the full system is still under development and deployment.

The STE integrates virtual reality and augmented reality to create immersive, realistic training scenarios across multiple domains—land, sea, air, space and cyber. By enhancing training with VR and AR, Soldiers can experience complex, large-scale environments and situations that are difficult or impossible to replicate in live training, improving readiness, decision-making and coordination in a cost-effective manner.

“The vision of the Army’s Synthetic Training Environment is to revolutionize Army training by merging live, virtual, constructive [LVC] and gaming platforms into an interoperable training experience that provides real-life immersion for combat training,” said Bahbaz. The blending of these domains enables decentralized training, reduces wear on tactical equipment and provides additional tools to enhance training effectiveness. This provides significant value for brigade and company-level training, benefiting forward observers (fire support specialists, artillery observers) and mortarmen crews.

PEO STRI’s Project Manager Training Devices (PM TRADE) has developed instrumented mortars capable of engaging targets across the LVC spectrum, Bahbaz explained, including live instrumented Soldiers, the virtual Training Simulation Software (TSS) Soldier and constructive simulation-generated entities. Using an immersive VR headset, the forward observer can visualize the entire battlefield in real-time, seeing LVC entities in their exact locations. The device provides a fully virtualized view of the battlefield, using high-resolution, three-dimensional terrain models that are updated in real time—allowing the forward observer to pan and zoom the digital battlefield, provide targeting information and call in indirect fire on targets across the LVC spectrum. This capability, he said, allows for a highly realistic and dynamic training environment and can be used to supplement training when live personnel or vehicle platforms are unavailable.

These haptic technologies are currently in the prototyping phase, where the performance and effectiveness is evaluated in a live training environment through the use of Soldier touch points conducted throughout a wide range of locations, including Fort Cavazos, Fort Benning, Fort Irwin, Fort Bragg, Fort Wainwright and Fort Polk. Bahbaz noted that, as a result of the PEO STRI touch points, PM TRADE received both positive and constructive feedback from Soldiers, which was critical in informing requirements and design improvements.

Bahbaz anticipates that these capabilities will be procured in fiscal year 2025 and fielded, starting in fiscal year 2026, to the Combat Training Center sites. This will begin with the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, then the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, followed by the Joint Multination Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany.

PM TRADE will start fielding with the indirect fire mortar and artillery training systems, he said, followed by shoulder-launched munitions and others, mainly because they enhance realism by providing tactile feedback for recoil, loading and firing, which helps develop muscle memory and operational skills.

STING OPERATIONThe Stinger training system, which is being developed by Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) as part of the STE-Live Direct Fires program, provides realistic and immersive training for Soldiers. (Photo by Ariana Aubuchon, PEO STRI)

LIVE TRAINING
For the next generation of dismounted Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems (TESS)— designed for infantry or ground-based personnel to simulate real-world combat scenarios without live ammunition—PEO STRI is prototyping haptic alerts to the Soldiers for firing, near miss, wound assessments and suppression.

“The current Live Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems use audio alters for near miss and assessment, which also provides an alert to nearby opposing Soldiers,” said Mark Dasher, product lead for STE LTS. “Use of haptics will provide a silent alert when battlefield effects occur. Additionally, tactical haptics will introduce new training capabilities such as loading ‘training round’ into a 155 mm howitzer.”

During live force-on-force training, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) is going to be a key focus area for live prototyping efforts at many levels, Dasher said. For this training, real Soldiers, using real equipment in physical environments, engage in simulated combat against other live participants—with the addition of synthetic computer-generated elements to enhance realism and complexity. “First, we are applying AI/ML in engagements allowing proper combat techniques [e.g., target lead and site elevation],” Dasher said. This will provide real-time, data-driven feedback, as AI creates moving targets and realistic conditions, while ML adapts training to individual skill levels, analyzing performance to refine accuracy and decision-making. “We believe that AI/ML will provide a continuous evaluation of Soldier and unit actions, enabling better unit training strategies. In the future, AI/ML will support small-unit training without the need of trainers, exercise control, OPFOR [Opposing Forces] or external enablers.”

Live training systems are utilized not just by the Army but also by other services, particularly the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). “We work closely with PM TRASYS [Program Manager for Training Systems], our USMC counterparts in modernization efforts,” Bahbaz said. “They participate in our Soldier touch points and provide valuable feedback to our team.”

Bahbaz said PEO STRI has also forged a solid partnership with the Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors Project Linchpin, the Army’s first artificial intelligence pipeline to deliver AI and ML capabilities to sensors for faster and more accurate decision-making in collaboration with the STE cross-functional team.

“We have successfully released, jointly, a request for information that communicates AI needs for Army training. This is part of our STRI to efficiently accelerate AI adoption across the training portfolio and specifically in [the] STE program, starting with live.” Bahbaz said he received 82 responses spanning traditional (defense-focused industries) and non-traditional (commercial business with advanced commercial technologies, particularly in the digital space) with diverse experience, which will expand—even transform—the Defense Industrial Base. “This market research effort will shape the prototyping requirements of our modernization programs with respect to AI and data,” he said.

PEO STRI, Bahbaz said, is also investing in computer vision technology as a potential replacement for lasers currently used by the Instrumentable Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (I-MILES), a system that enables the Army to simulate combat and improve the realism of training.

“Object detection will enable us to simulate physics-based direct fire engagement, further increasing the realism in the live training environment,” Bahbaz said, adding that recent engineering touch points have yielded promising results as haptic devices attempt to draw reaction of the forces as they maneuver in the force-on-force battle space.

At Soldier Touch Point 10 (a testing session point of refinement), he explained that two haptic devices were tested: 1) a haptic watch that also provided an electronic MILES casualty card to process and display battle damage assessment on their training system in fidelity that allows the performance of exercise medical tasks in a combat training exercise; and 2), a haptic Small Arms Protective Insert replacement, a type of body armor that provides a tactile feedback sensation when impacted by a bullet, allowing the wearer to perceive a hit without feeling the full force.

Bahbaz said PEO STRI is experimenting with these haptic wearables to introduce the effects of explosions that are also integrated with mixed-reality devices and to increase the fidelity of interactions between live participants and synthetic entities in live exercises.

A “STAGES IN STAGES” APPROACH
Bahbaz said there are two live training modern products that will include a “stages in stages” approach, meaning phased in as technology matures and is validated. These two products are the Indirect Fire and Guide System (i.e., Stinger Trainer), with the first increment production planned to begin in fiscal year 2025 and fielding in fiscal year 2027, and the Direct Fire System with haptic and AI-enabled system, which is currently in the prototyping stage and scheduled for production in fiscal year 2027 and fielding in fiscal year 2028-29.

The Stinger Training System provides realistic and immersive training for military personnel, enabling them to effectively operate and maintain the Stinger missile system in a variety of combat scenarios and to simulate the complexities of real-world engagements. This allows users to develop the skills and confidence needed to accurately detect, track and engage enemy aircraft, while minimizing the risks and costs associated with live-fire training.

The system requires the gunner to perform all tasks involved in Stinger operation and target engagement. The life-sized Stinger trainer connects to range instrumentation, delivering realistic training without firing projectiles and can interrogate instrumented aircraft utilizing a simulated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), replicating the dimensions, weight and firing sequence of a real Stinger weapon system.

A direct fire system with haptic and AI-enabled capabilities is a training platform designed to simulate a realistic use of the weapon in the force-on-force environment. According to Bahbaz, these systems leverage haptics to provide physical feedback, such as recoil, vibrations and resistance, replicating the sensations of real-world weapon handling. At the same time, AI introduces adaptive elements to the training or operational environment, like intelligent target behaviors, real-time performance analysis and scenario adjustments.

For example, a rifle or machine gun training simulator equipped with haptics will simulate the weapons recoil and resistance while engaging AI-controlled targets that react unpredictably to the Soldier’s kinetic actions and reinforce rapid decision-making. The system, Bahbaz said, will provide feedback on accuracy, reaction time and situational awareness, adapting the scenarios’ difficulty as the training environment changes.

These systems utilize AI to simulate lively scenarios like engaging aerial or ground threats, adapting to trainee performance and providing detailed feedback on decision-making and accuracy. Haptics enhancements also add a layer of physical realism by replicating sensations like weapon recoil, weight and control resistance, helping users develop muscle memory and familiarity with equipment. Together, these technologies ensure comprehensive preparation by addressing both the cognitive and physical aspects of weapon operation in a safe, controlled environment.

HALF PAST HAPTICS – A wrist-worn device like this watch can be worn by Soldiers to provide situational awareness, biometric data, and a real-time casualty assessment during training. These improvements in haptics will help to provide a more realistic training environment and bridge the gap between virtual training and real-world experiences. (U.S. Army photo, courtesy of PEO STRI)

GOING GLOBAL
U.S. simulation training is conducted globally to enhance interoperability with allied forces, improve mission readiness and adapt to region-specific challenges. These exercises allow multinational forces to train together using advanced technologies, fostering seamless collaboration in joint operations. Simulation training is also cost effective and safer compared to live exercises, enabling realistic practice without the logistical complexities or risks. By deploying this training worldwide, the U.S. not only prepares for diverse operational scenarios but also demonstrates leadership in cutting-edge military technology.

“PM TRADE provides training capability for home station, Combat Training Centers and for use during deployments. Where the Army is, the Army trains. As haptic-enabled TESS is deployed, the Army will use globally as needed,” Dasher said.

“These improvements can be used by our multination partners,” Bahbaz noted. “In fact, we collaborate closely with our Five Eyes [Oversight and Review Council composed of intelligence oversight, review and security entities of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States] on several live training technologies. They are well informed of the core design of training capabilities and have various engagements [where] we exchange our lessons learned to ensure interoperability.”

CONCLUSION
Improving haptics within the STE offers significant benefits for enhancing the Army’s training capabilities. These advancements create a more immersive and realistic training experience by bridging the gap between virtual scenarios and visual sensations. Wearables enable real-time biometric feedback, which can improve training effectiveness by monitoring Soldier performance, stress levels and physical conditions. Enhanced haptics deliver tactile and force feedback, allowing Soldiers to experience the sensations of weapon recoil, environmental resistance and physical impacts while fostering muscle memory and situational awareness. By integrating these technologies, the STE not only better replicates real-world conditions but also reduces the logistical burden and cost of live training exercises. This comprehensive approach ensures that Soldiers are better prepared for operational challenges, leading to improved readiness, adaptability and mission success.

“A critical resource is time for units to train, especially at the lower level (e.g., squad or platoon). Through the insertion of new technology, STE LTS is creating training devices that are both easy to use and realistic,” Dasher said. “The benefit of these enhancements and new additions is allowing units to do realistic training, anywhere and at any time.”

For more information, go to www.peostri.army.mil

By Cheryl Marino for Army AL&T Magazine

CHERYL MARINO provides contract support to the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as a writer and editor for Army AL&T magazine and TMGL, LLC. Prior to USAASC, she served as a technical report editor at the Combat Capabilities Development Command Center at Picatinny Arsenal for five years. She holds a B.A. in communications from Seton Hall University and has more than 25 years of writing and editing experience in both the government and private sectors.