As already noted, in recent years, the intensity of the use of combat simulators in the operational and tactical training of the German ground forces has increased ( read more here ). The reasons that computer modeling systems are becoming more widespread have a completely objective basis.
First of all, the use of simulators allows you to work out realistic scenarios with simultaneous resource saving. So, the flight simulator simulates all the actions of the pilot during the flight without the real involvement of aviation equipment and does not depend on weather conditions. Additionally, it is possible to increase the intensity and breadth of training options. Computer (virtual) modeling systems provide a representation of various conditions of the surrounding area and the situation.
At the same time, the preparation is carried out incrementally. This is true, both with regard to the complexity of the equipment being mastered, and the development of combat tactics. Thus, virtual modeling offers the maximum possible modularity and flexibility, which makes it an effective tool for the profile training of troops from an individual soldier to the headquarters of the compound.
Flight simulator
Computer simulation systems[/b] of operational and tactical level
In the land forces of the Bundeswehr, the use of computer simulation training systems has been purposefully developed since the mid-90s of the last century. First of all, they have found application in providing information about the current situation in the preparation of military command bodies and headquarters at various levels.
Currently, the German Armed Forces have two systems for training command posts. The battalion-brigade link uses a simulation system to support the framework exercises “ZIRA” (Simulationssystem zur Unterstützung von Rahmenübungen, SIRA). In the preparation of military command bodies from the brigade KP and above, “GUPPIS” is used – a combat simulation system to support the KSHU and planning research at headquarters (Gefechtsübungssimulations-system zur Unterstützung von Plan- bzw. Stabsübungen und Planuntersuchungen in Stäben, GUPPIS).
Battalion command post in the field
General characteristics
Both computer simulation systems have technical interface points with the command and information system of combat command and control used by the headquarters (Fuhrungs- und Informationssystem Heer). Through such interface points, trainees are provided with a computer-generated and constantly updated picture of the operational and tactical situation. As a result, the trained staff does not have direct contact with the simulation systems themselves, but acts exclusively on the basis of really subordinate forces. Subordinate staffs, as a rule, appoint maintenance personnel for simulation systems (framework exercise groups), and also simulate the execution of orders given to them by the senior staff performing the training.
Both “ZIRA" and “GUPPIS”, along with parts of the SV, also allow you to display the forces of the Air Force, Navy, support units ( CCA ) and the central medical and sanitary service of the Bundeswehr . Thus, an interspecific approach to operational training is provided. In addition, to generate realistic scenarios of international exercises under the leadership of Germany, as a framework nation, it is possible to display multinational combat components. The integration of NATO information management systems is carried out through the interfaces of the command and information system of the combat command and control, which also ensures their independence from virtual simulation systems.
Features of systems and their infrastructure
When performing exercises at the brigade level and below, the ZIRA computer simulation system has a resolution up to a single combat vehicle. It is possible to deploy up to 200 operator workstations. This makes it possible to attract subordinate battalion headquarters as the second trainable level during brigade training. At the same time, all companies of the respective battalions, including support forces (for example, helicopters, artillery, sappers), also receive their reflection in the training process. It is believed that such detail is particularly important, for example, when playing out scenarios of airmobile operations.
The organization of operational training of the headquarters of the SV Bundeswehr provides for regular independent command and staff training with computer modeling. Such trainings are practiced, as a rule, at the final stage of the training of troops, and also have the purpose of maintaining the overall operational readiness of the military authorities.
To do this, the ZIRA system is located on the basis of a number of Bundeswehr training centers :
- St. Petersburg Officer's College, Dresden;
- training center, Munster;
- Infantry Training Center, Hammelburg;
- Special Operations Training Center, Pfullendorf;
- SV Combat Training Center, Gardelegen.
Their equipment allows almost weekly exercises to be practiced by the units of the SV or OSO. On the basis of the CB combat training center, among other things, it is possible to train with the use of “ZIRA” headquarters at the battalion or combat group level in real time.
UTS SV with computer modeling systems "ZIRA", "ZiTA", "GUPPIS"
The GUPPIS equipment complex is located in the combat simulation center of the SV (Gefechtssimulationszentrum des Heeres) in Wildflecken. The system is used in conducting the CSU of formations, associations and joint multinational headquarters of NATO. It implements the management of units from the level of a separate platoon to a battalion and provides an individual approach of operators in relation to the trained personnel.
Additionally, GUPPIES is capable of operating in a virtual environment. This allows the CB combat simulation center to support the training scenarios being worked out through powerful broadband connections, regardless of the location of the trained military command bodies. This characteristic was successfully demonstrated in the spring of 2016 during a major CCA exercise held on the basis of the Bundeswehr Rear School in Garlstedt.
In the center of combat simulation of the SV, training is conducted using both the ZIRA and GUPPIS systems. According to publications, currently only this educational institution, both technically and by personnel, is able to organize communication between existing modeling systems and the command and information system of the combat control of the Bundeswehr.
Control room of the Combat Simulation Center
Tactical computer modeling systems
In order to improve the methodology of tactical training of the lower command staff (platoon-battalion level), a simulation-based and suitable for briefing rooms tactical training system “ZiTA” (Simulationsgestützte Taktik Ausbildung, SiTA) has been developed. Another direction in the development of computer modeling systems is the introduction of the virtual tactical training platform “ViTA” (Virtuelle Taktische Ausbildungsplattform, ViTA) into the combat training of troops.
Training of junior commanders in the briefing room
SiTA Tactical System
With the help of special educational and methodological modules, the computer modeling system “ZiTA” allows you to assess the situation, make decisions and give orders. At the same time, it is possible to track the effect of the use of forces in space and time.
Workplace of the operator of the computer simulation system "ZITA"
The system is managed by a briefing room administrator and a tactics instructor. Initially, theory is taught. Then, based on it, the tactical situation is modeled, which is later used during commander training.
ZITA equipment includes 24 operator workstations. Depending on the task, the course participants can study either in parallel in a single learning environment, or counteract in a two-sided exercise in small groups of six people. Thus, students of the courses directly in the classroom explore the impact of tactical decisions made. The advantages of the system are considered to be its flexibility and low need for maintenance personnel.
Tactics Instructor's report
ViTA Virtual Learning Platform
The further development of computer simulation systems designed for tactical training of troops is associated with the virtual training platform “ViTA”, based on the use of the modern potential of the computer games industry. Since 2008, the Bundeswehr ground forces have been conducting research aimed at studying the possibilities of the military use of realistic computer games in the training of troops. As a result, the term “serious Games” (Serious Games) arose.
In particular, it was found that the addition of real training with systems of this type leads to faster and more effective achievement of educational goals. Firstly, when using such systems, the trainees have a high level of motivation. In addition, in comparison with classes on the ground, the software provides extensive opportunities for monitoring and evaluating the actions of all trainees, as well as their subsequent re-viewing and analysis.
"Serious games"
According to the idea of the ViTA project, the new platform is designed to provide an adequate representation of the conditions of the real combat situation during the tactical training of troops. The use of “ViTA” is envisaged at the stage of initial training of military personnel, in the process of improving the combat training of units and their command staff, as well as in preparation for missions. It is planned that the system will be able to support combat training at the following levels: squad, platoon, company.
For units of motorized infantry and tank troops, the purpose of such training is to work out internal interaction to the extent of a single “closed organization”. The rest of the armed forces will be able to master the tasks of supporting tanks and motorized infantry and general tasks specific to themselves in ground operations.
The content of the initial training program for personnel and units includes basic combined arms skills and techniques of action in defense and offensive. As part of the improvement course, the system should support the assessment of the situation in combat and the commander's decision-making. As part of the preparation before performing missions, actions during patrolling can be practiced, including performing various introductory tasks, for example: breaking radio communication when requesting direct aviation support or medical assistance.
High realism of the virtual environment
Modular architecture of the ViTA system The system consists of four modules. Module "A” is an element of administration and monitoring of the state of system components, providing technical and professional expertise, as well as providing a test and support environment. The module also generates, displays and edits elements of the environment, 3D models of weapons systems and military equipment of the trained units, as well as interacting or opposing forces.
Module “B” provides an opportunity to study the general tasks of ground operations, techniques and methods of infantry combat up to the company level. The same applies to modules ”C“ and ”D", which differ only in the possibilities of representing the environment. So, module “C” is aimed at platoon training, module “D” is aimed at detachments. Modules “B”, “C” and “D” consist of a network of standard personal computers and differ only in the number of available jobs. Each workstation is equipped with an input and output component with 3D modeling software.
The initiative to create the ViTA system was approved by the SV command in 2015 as a medium-term planning project with a start date in 2018. According to publications, it is planned to purchase and deliver about 110 modules “D” (department) to the units and training centers of the SV in stages. For the central training centers of the SV – seven modules “C” (platoon) and one module “B" (company) for the combat simulation center in Wildflecken. Practical training on the basis of “ViTA" is planned to begin in 2019.
Thus, the German ground forces actively use various computer simulation systems during operational and combat training of troops. According to the estimates of the Bundeswehr command, such systems can significantly save resources and achieve a significant increase in the effectiveness of combat training on the ground. In the future, it is expected to improve the quality of the virtual simulation systems used due to the growth of their computing power and the use of the capabilities of the computer games industry.
Based on the materials of the journal Europäische Sicherheit &Technik