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Archive for the ‘Training’ Category

School’s in Session: Report to the Tower

Sunday, March 10th, 2024

With harnesses on their hips, hardhats on their heads and rope in their hands, soldiers participating in air assault school rappelled off towers at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

During air assault school, soldiers train on rotary wing aircraft, aircraft safety, aeromedical evacuation procedures, pathfinder operations, principles and techniques of combat assaults, rappelling techniques and sling-load operations. These trainings prepare soldiers to make use of their helicopter skills in combat.

Courtesy DoD News Service

Photos by Army SGT Vincent Levelev

Saab Receives Support Order for Norway’s Combat Training Centre

Sunday, February 25th, 2024

Saab has received an order from the Norwegian Defence Materiel Organisation regarding support, service and maintenance for the Combat Training Centre in Rena. The order value is approximately SEK 190 million and the contract period is 2024-2027.

The contract also includes on-site support for four additional training and simulation locations in Norway, as well as at Rena. 

“We are pleased to continue our long-term support to the Norwegian Armed Forces’ training systems. With this contract, we ensure that the Norwegian Armed Forces have the required interoperable training capabilities today and in the future,” says Joakim Alhbin, head of business unit Training & Simulation within Saab’s business area Dynamics.

The Norwegian Armed Forces have been using Saab’s training and simulation systems since 2004 and this contract contributes to the Armed Forces’ retaining the capability to train units up to brigade size, in-country as well as abroad. The systems are fully interoperable with NATO and other allied countries, which is crucial in multinational live exercises with simulators. Norway’s training partners include, among many others, the US, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands.

Through innovative use of technology and a well-proven training philosophy, Saab offers world leading training solutions and capabilities enabling interoperability and true realism for land forces. Saab offers solutions for live training, live fire training, virtual training and training services. 

Puzzle Training Plate System by Raptor Tactical

Monday, February 19th, 2024

Now on Kickstarter, the Puzzle Training Plate System by Raptor Tactical is a customizable weight training plate system which fits standard plate carriers. It is 2.4lbs empty and 11.6 lbs full by adding up to 23 extra heading shaped pieces each weighing .4 lbs.

You can back one of several packages including the one or more of the Puzzle Training Plates as well as Raptor Tactical’s plate carrier.

Find it on Kickstarter.com.

Note: The training plates are made from rubber and provide no ballistic protection.

Green Berets Leverage Immersive Simulator for Training

Thursday, February 15th, 2024

FORT CARSON, Co. — Members of the special forces community are utilizing training software that employs, to some degree, artificial intelligence. Operators with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) completed multiple iterations of VirTra simulation training at the Human Performance Training Center on the 10th SFG (A) Complex, Feb. 2, 2024.

Applicable for both law enforcement and military, the VirTra simulator is a program featuring technology that can present different scenarios to its users which helps sharpen shooting skills. The program is fully customizable, helping individuals prepare for real-life incidents, while also providing accurate ballistics and military weapons qualification courses.

10th SFG’s (A) cognitive performance specialist, Jake Blumberg, oversaw the training iterations that were conducted in the HPTC. Blumberg described the structure of the training and designed it to be as realistic and similar to combat as possible, explaining that the Green Berets were guided through a series of exercises to spike their heart rate before executing shooting scenarios.

“This allows us to pair marksmanship with a variety of different training environments where they are coupled with a strength coach to simulate physical stress,” said Blumberg. “[Operators] are then able to create a variety of different ranges and targets to really hone their craft.”

Blumberg mentioned that 10th SFG(A) is the only Special Forces Group in the U.S. Army that has full-time access to this sort of technology and to think of the VirTra simulator as a more advanced version of the U.S. Army’s already well-known Engagement Skills Trainer.

“This [technology] provides what the EST can in terms of weapons qualification and flat range practice,” Blumberg remarked. “But VirTra also incorporates different types of drills, from reaction drills to threat-not-threat scenarios.”

The different scenario options that VirTra features include active threat, hostage situation, threat recognition and high-risk entry. Through these scenarios, the VirTra simulator is actively analyzing the decisions that its users make and then adjusting what happens in the program based on those decisions.

Several Green Berets were afforded the opportunity to this unique training and one team captain commented that it gives him and his Soldiers unlimited opportunities to practice the fundamentals and increase their personal shooting skills, since using the simulator doesn’t use any live ammunition.

Since this technology is local to 10th SFG (A), this allows the operators to hone their craft at any time of the day and not spend time reserving ranges or acquiring other supplies.

“Everything comes down to increasing lethality, so the more triggers we pull in the correct manner, that’s what we want,” said the team captain. “Practice makes permanent — ultimately we want to be training the fundamentals all the time and this is another venue for guys to pull their personal weapon and become better at the basics.”

By SGT David Cordova

Oak Grove Technologies – FOV Drone Operator Course

Saturday, February 3rd, 2024

Mark your calendars! We’re excited to share our upcoming two-week digital FPV drone course, scheduled for 11-22 March 2024, at our Test and Training Center in Hoffman, NC (Adjacent to Camp Mackall).

Training Includes:

Expert Instruction: With a wealth of commercial and hobbyist experience, our instructors bring a unique blend of skill, passion, and real-world insights to elevate your FPV drone proficiency, including our lead instructor ranked 10th globally by MultiGP.

Optimal Training Environment: Navigate our tactical flying area plus student-build stations equipped with 3D printing capabilities for crafting custom parts. A protective net guards the pilot pit to ensure safety, offering a secure space for uninterrupted training.

Advanced Learning: Begin with computer simulations, mastering radio flight controls, and understanding FPV drone responses. Transition to hands-on experience, starting with basic flight skills on a Tiny Whoop, and progress to the 5” FPV drone you assemble.

Culminating Mission Experience: Reach the summit of your training with an immersive tactical mission scenario, where you apply and refine your skills in a real-world setting, solidifying your expertise through practical experience.

Materials: Upon completion, leave with your fully assembled digital drone, TX16S radio, HDZero goggles, spares, and a Pelican Air deployment/travel case.

This course is for military, government or law enforcement only.

Please Scan the QR code to begin the registration process, or reach out for more detailed information, including pricing and registration details: uas@oakgrovetech.com

SIG SAUER Opens Registration for Florida ROSE Retreat

Monday, January 22nd, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (January 22, 2024) – It’s time to experience the extraordinary; registration is now open for the ROSE Retreat in Boca Raton, Florida, April 24-27, 2024. 

The ROSE Retreat, hosted by SIG SAUER, is the industry’s only luxury, all-inclusive event that brings women together into the heart of a community for shared experiences through a guided journey of personal safety with nine-time World Champion, Team SIG professional shooter, and ROSE visionary Lena Miculek. 

“At the ROSE Retreat you will experience a supportive community, a comfortable atmosphere, a commitment to learn, and the indulgence in luxury for yourself,” began Lena Miculek, Team SIG Professional Shooter.  “The journey into firearms ownership and use is personal and overwhelming.  At the ROSE Retreat you will gain the understanding and the confidence to take you from where you are right now, to the next step of your journey with a group of women that share the same goal.”

A team of women at SIG SAUER have carefully curated the ultimate resort experience; from the time guests arrive at the luxury 5-Star Boca Raton Resort, every detail of the journey is carefully planned including accommodations, entertainment, dining, transportation, firearms, and ammunition.  ROSE Retreat attendees will learn directly from Lena and participate in range time with skill building exercises to gain confidence and sharpen their firearms handling skills. The curriculum also includes a series of lifestyle sessions and focus groups. 

The Boca Raton Resort is a 5-Star Luxury Resort situated on 200 acres in southern Florida with a sweeping waterfront location, lush gardens, a world class spa, unparalleled world-class cuisine, decadent high-end amenities at every turn, and more. 

“You will learn, you will grow, you will inspire and you will be inspired, under the sun and in the calm and comfort of this beautiful Florida resort at the ROSE Retreat.  I can’t wait to welcome our guests to Boca,” concluded Miculek.

To register or learn more about ROSE Retreat Boca Raton in Boca Raton, Florida on April 24-27, 2024 visit sigsauer.com/rose.

Tough Stump University Offers TAK U for both MIL & CIV Versions

Sunday, January 21st, 2024

• Does your unit use ATAK and need a refresher of the basics?

• Could your team benefit from a mass basic ATAK course?

• Do you want your personnel to be both competent & confident in the tools ATAK has to offer?

Tough Stump University offers TAK U for both MIL & CIV versions.

The course can be licensed out to a large group of students or taken on an individual basis! Both options are available to ensure ATAK users are building their teams’ situational awareness with confidence.

For more information, visit university.toughstump.com

For custom packages or questions, email tstu@toughstump.com

NEW FOR MCX: BlackbeardX Auto-Resetting Inert Training System from Mantis

Thursday, January 18th, 2024

Elevate Your Dry Fire MCX Training to a New Level

Introducing BlackbeardX from Mantis – a new way to enhance your dry-fire training safely at home with your MCX. Incorporating MantisX technology, the BlackbeardX Auto-Resetting Trigger Inert Training System revolutionizes the way you enhance your skills. By offering real-time feedback on shooting techniques and delivering intelligent coaching along with actionable analytics through the MantisX Pistol/Rifle app, the combo ensures unparalleled improvement at an accelerated pace.

Kit Includes:

Blackbeard Bolt Carrier Group (MCX)

Blackbeard MCX Magazine Powerbank

MantisX Pistol/Rifle app compatibility

Quick and easy to install, the BlackbeardX system replaces your bolt carrier and magazine, making for a safe and simple transition from live fire to dry fire and back again. The magazine battery pack is good for 50,000 shots per charge.

Key Features:

BlackbeardX goes far beyond a shot timer. Using the MantisX app, it includes motion-based analysis of your efficiency in a high-speed, multi-target engagement. It analyzes your economy of motion across multiple dimensions, giving you real-time feedback on where and how you can improve your dynamic shooting.