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Firearms simulator expands Bagram training

by Pfc. Charles D. Meseke

BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Army News Service, March 13, 2003) -- The Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, an indoor weapons training simulator, opened for use March 8 at Bagram Air Base.

The EST 2000 uses computer software, realistic weapons and a pair of 13-foot long projection screens to simulate a variety of battle scenarios and weapons range training.

The system offers more than 200 scenarios of programmed battle situations, but with a fully customizable interface there are virtually unlimited numbers of scenarios possible, said Jesse Salvatore, a software engineer for ECC International Corp., a simulation training company that developed the system.

Simulated weapons compatible with the EST 2000 are the M9 pistol, M4 carbine, M1200 shotgun, M16A2 rifle, M203 grenade launcher, M249 squad automatic weapon, M240B machine gun, AT4 anti-armor weapon, MK-19 automatic grenade launcher, and M60 machine gun.

"It is important because the more training and practice a soldier gets, the better," said Maj. Ray Compton, Program Executive Office. The Program Executive Office conducts development and fielding of new equipment for the military.

"When deployed, you can't always go out to a range due to safety, environmental issues, limited ammo supplies, or any number of other issues," Compton said. "With this system we can provide soldiers with a controlled environment to practice in."

Although the system has been used for the past three years, the EST 2000 in Bagram was the first to open in a combat zone.

Using the trainer during deployments was the primary idea behind the development of the system, Compton said.

Not only does the EST 2000 offer realistic computer-generated troops, vehicles, aircraft and battlefields, but weapon functions are also accurate.

The system uses real weapons that have been modified with electronics to make noise and kick with each fired round.

Feedback from soldiers at Bagram was positive.

"It is pretty realistic," said Spc. Jesse Clark radio operator for Coalition Task Force-82.

"It's not as loud as the real thing, but it still has noise and some kick when firing," Clark said. "The battle scenarios, with the vehicles and aircraft were awesome."

"(The EST 2000) is definitely going to help me with my marksmanship," he said.

Although the system cannot fully replicate actual range training, the EST 2000's detailed graphics, computer-calculated wind speeds, and bullet physics offer an alternative when going to a range is not possible, Compton said.

"The ESt 2000 is the most realistic training option to actually going out to a range and firing a weapon," Compton said.

(Editor's note: Pfc. Charles D. Meseke is assigned to the Coalition Task Force-82 Public Affairs Office.)