Key Takeaways
- The Trackless Moving Target (TMT) program is a new training initiative developed by the Army’s Capability Program Executive Simulation, Training and Instrumentation department.
- The TMT program utilizes range control software and legacy targets to create a more realistic and unpredictable training environment for Soldiers.
- The program includes two variant targets: infantry and vehicle variants, which can be controlled manually with a remote control.
- The TMT system simulates the realistic movements of ground forces, allowing Soldiers to train more effectively for combat.
- The program has been in development for nearly 12 years and has recently been fielded at Fort Carson.
Introduction to the TMT Program
The Trackless Moving Target (TMT) program is a revolutionary new training initiative that is changing the way Soldiers prepare for combat. As George Floyd, an Infantryman with a wealth of experience, surveys the terrain of Range 127, he reflects on how training has evolved exponentially to meet the demands of current and future conflicts. The TMT program combines range control software with legacy targets commonly found at most training installations, creating a more realistic and unpredictable training environment for Soldiers. From the top of the range’s watch tower, Floyd demonstrates the capabilities of the TMT system, using a computer to control a green target that emerges from behind a berm and moves in a 360-degree motion.
The Limitations of Traditional Training Targets
Historically, the Army has used Stationary Infantry Targets to train Soldiers on how to shoot moving targets. However, these targets have a major limitation: they move on a side-to-side track, making it easy for Soldiers to predict their movements and hit them with ease. As Floyd notes, "after a few rounds, Soldiers know exactly where to shoot. It becomes predictable." This predictability makes it difficult for Soldiers to develop the skills they need to hit moving targets in real-life combat situations. The TMT program aims to address this limitation by incorporating reactive behaviors into the target’s movements, making it more challenging and realistic for Soldiers to hit.
How the TMT Program Works
The TMT program utilizes two variant targets: the infantry variant, which mimics the movements of an opposing infantryman who can bound and retreat, and the vehicle variant, which simulates a manned fighting vehicle as it maneuvers over difficult terrain. These targets can be controlled manually with a remote control, allowing trainers to customize the training experience to meet the needs of different units and scenarios. The TMT software incorporates reactive behaviors into the target’s movements, so when Soldiers shoot close to the target, it begins to demonstrate evading maneuvers rather than its typical left-to-right or up-and-down movements. This creates a more realistic and unpredictable training environment that challenges Soldiers to think on their feet and make quick decisions.
The Benefits of the TMT Program
The goal of the TMT program is simple: to effectively train Soldiers for the realities of combat. As Floyd notes, "having spent a career in the infantry, I can tell you that shooting at a moving target is extremely hard to do. The TMT system simulates the realistic movements of ground forces, allowing Soldiers to train more effectively so that if they see combat one day, they’re adequately prepared." The TMT program has already shown promising results, with Soldiers who have trained with the system reporting improved situational awareness and communication skills. The program has also been praised for its ability to prepare Soldiers for the unexpected, making it an invaluable tool for units preparing for deployment.
Fielding and Future Plans
The TMT concept has been nearly 12 years in the making, with Fort Carson receiving the first official fielding. The TMT package includes three infantry variants and three vehicle variants, and can support a range of weapons systems, including those with up to.50-caliber rounds. This makes it an ideal training tool for infantry, sniper, and Special Forces units. In the future, the TMT program is expected to support door gunnery training, making it an asset for both Army and Marine units. As Anthony Meyers, Fort Carson’s Remote Enhanced Training System manager, notes, "pretty soon we’ll also be able to support door gunnery training. So, the TMTs won’t just prepare Army Soldiers for real-life combat, but Marines as well."
Real-World Applications
The TMT program has already been used to train Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. According to Staff Sgt. Nicholas Worley, the NCO in charge of the training, the TMT system presented a challenging and realistic training environment that tested squads’ situational awareness and communication skills. Unlike traditional qualification exercises, which evaluate Soldiers based on the number of successful hits to a target, the TMT training evaluated squads based on how close targets got to Soldiers before receiving fire. This approach provides a more realistic and comprehensive assessment of a unit’s combat readiness. As Worley notes, "this is something Soldiers haven’t typically seen or trained with before. Soldiers have to be aware of their environment, and a moving target definitely adds an element of urgency you only find at the Joint Readiness Training Center (at Fort Polk, Louisiana) or in combat."