Key Takeaways
- The Army’s Trackless Moving Target (TMT) program is a new initiative designed to effectively prepare Soldiers for the realities of combat.
- The program utilizes two variant targets: an infantry variant and a vehicle variant, which can be controlled manually or through range control software.
- The TMT system simulates the realistic movements of ground forces, allowing Soldiers to train more effectively for combat scenarios.
- The program aims to improve Soldiers’ situational awareness, communication, and decision-making skills under pressure.
- The TMT program has been nearly 12 years in the making, with Fort Carson receiving the first official fielding.
Introduction to the Trackless Moving Target Program
The Army’s Trackless Moving Target (TMT) program is a new initiative designed to effectively prepare Soldiers for the realities of combat. The program utilizes two variant targets: an infantry variant and a vehicle variant, which can be controlled manually or through range control software. The TMT system simulates the realistic movements of ground forces, allowing Soldiers to train more effectively for combat scenarios. As George Floyd, an Infantryman with experience in training, notes, the TMT program is a significant improvement over traditional training methods, which often rely on stationary or predictable targets.
The Evolution of Training Methods
Historically, the Army has used Stationary Infantry Targets to train Soldiers on how to shoot moving targets. However, these targets often move on a side-to-side track, making them predictable and easy to hit after a few rounds. In contrast, the TMT program incorporates reactive behaviors into the target’s movements, making it more challenging and realistic for Soldiers to train. The TMT software enables the target to demonstrate evading maneuvers when shot at, making it a more effective tool for training Soldiers for combat. For example, the infantry variant can be used to mimic the movements of an opposing infantryman who can bound and retreat, while the vehicle variant can be used to simulate a manned fighting vehicle as it maneuvers over difficult terrain.
The Benefits of the TMT Program
The TMT program has several benefits, including improved situational awareness, communication, and decision-making skills under pressure. By training with moving targets, Soldiers can develop the skills they need to effectively engage enemy forces in combat. The program also allows for more realistic training scenarios, which can help to reduce the risk of injury or death in combat. As Anthony Meyers, Fort Carson’s Remote Enhanced Training System manager, notes, the TMT concept has been nearly 12 years in the making, and Fort Carson has received the first official fielding. The TMT package includes three infantry variants and three vehicle variants, and can support a range of training scenarios, including door gunnery training.
Training with the TMT Program
Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were among the first to train with the new technology. The training exercise was designed to test the Soldiers’ ability to engage moving targets, as well as their situational awareness and communication skills. According to Staff Sgt. Nicholas Worley, the NCO in charge of the training, the Soldiers were excited for the challenge and performed well in the exercise. The training scenario was designed to simulate a realistic combat scenario, with the targets moving in unpredictable ways and the Soldiers having to make quick decisions under pressure. For instance, the Soldiers had to practice quick decision making under pressure, prioritize targets that posed the greatest threat, and communicate with each other about the advancing targets.
The Future of the TMT Program
The TMT program is expected to play a significant role in the Army’s training efforts in the future. The program has the potential to support a range of training scenarios, including door gunnery training, and can be used by a variety of units, including infantry, sniper, and Special Forces units. As the program continues to evolve, it is likely to become an essential tool for training Soldiers for combat. The TMT program is a significant improvement over traditional training methods, and its use is expected to improve the effectiveness of Army training and reduce the risk of injury or death in combat. Additionally, the program’s ability to simulate realistic combat scenarios will help to prepare Soldiers for the challenges they may face in future conflicts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Army’s Trackless Moving Target program is a significant improvement over traditional training methods. The program’s use of moving targets and reactive behaviors makes it a more effective tool for training Soldiers for combat. The TMT program has the potential to support a range of training scenarios and can be used by a variety of units. As the program continues to evolve, it is likely to become an essential tool for training Soldiers for combat. By providing a more realistic and challenging training environment, the TMT program can help to improve the effectiveness of Army training and reduce the risk of injury or death in combat. The program’s impact will be significant, and its use will be a key factor in preparing Soldiers for the challenges they may face in future conflicts.