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Chapter 6

Platoon Gunnery Trainer (PGT)

The PGT is designed to train armor platoon leaders and platoon sergeants in command and control and fire distribution to destroy enemy targets in a tactical scenario. It does this by presenting the platoon with a series of realistic combat situations that require proper planning, reporting, and execution if the platoon is to be successful. The system reinforces those skills already learned using the COFT or AGTS. It requires the TC/gunner combinations to continue to engage targets using correct precision and degraded-mode gunnery techniques.

There are two versions of the PGT currently fielded: COFT PGT and AGTS PGT. Both versions consist of four linked trainers with an attached platoon after-action review (PAAR) station.

COFT PGT

There are only three COFT PGTs currently fielded worldwide, making this an extremely limited throughput device. The current locations for the COFT PGTs are Fort Knox, KY, Vilseck, GE, and Schweinfurt, GE. All COFT PGT crew stations are configured for the M1A1 tank.

COFT PGT CONFIGURATION

The COFT PGT system consists of four, linked crew stations; four IOSs; and a PAAR station. Duty assignments for platoon members are designated at the IOS at the time of exercise initialization. Each IOS is equipped with a topographical display monitor that displays the terrain and all of the platoon members' vehicle locations. The vehicle locations are shown using an icon and the vehicle bumper number. Figure 6-1 shows the layout of the COFT PGT.

Figure 6-1. COFT PGT layout.

The PAAR station provides audio playback, visual playback for all sight pictures, and VCR playback of the completed exercise. Figure 6-2 shows the configuration of the COFT PGT PAAR station.

Figure 6-2. COFT PGT PAAR Station Configuration.

COFT PGT EXERCISE LIBRARY

The exercise library for the COFT PGT consists of 16 tactical scenarios. These scenarios contain both offensive and defensive missions, as well as combined missions with both offensive and defensive tasks. The training system utilization handbook (TSUH) for the M1A1 COFT PGT contains in-depth descriptions of these exercises.

AGTS PGT

All divisions and regiments fielded with the AGTS will have one PGT. The AGTS PGT crew stations are configured for the M1A2 tank.

AGTS PGT CONFIGURATION

The AGTS PGT system consists of four, linked crew stations; four IOSs; and a PAAR. Duty assignments for platoon members are designated at the IOS at the time of exercise initialization. The layout for the AGTS PGT consists of either four sheltered systems or four permanent systems linked via a hub located at the PAAR station. Figure 6-3 shows the configuration of the AGTS PGT PAAR station.

Figure 6-3. AGTS PGT PAAR station configuration.

The PAAR station has the capability to log an exercise in progress while an AAR is being conducted. Capabilities of the PAAR are discussed in detail in the AGTS TSUH.

AGTS PGT EXERCISE LIBRARY

The exercise library for the AGTS PGT consists of 56 exercises. These exercises are broken down into basic, intermediate, and advanced difficulty levels. Exercises exist that support defensive, offensive, combined, and command and control tasks, requiring the employment of tactical fire to engage targets.

PGT Training

Units should try to schedule all platoons for PGT training once a month. The training session should last two hours per platoon, which would allow enough time to conduct at least two exercises.

A typical training session is divided into four phases: orientation, preliminary training, performance training, and AAR.

PHASE 1. ORIENTATION

The orientation phase should focus on the system configuration, records, safety briefing, and the system limitations.

PHASE 2. PRELIMINARY TRAINING

Preliminary training should consist of the following:

• Conduct a review of platoon fire planning techniques.
• Issue the company/troop OPORD.
• The platoon leader should prepare a platoon OPORD while the platoon conducts precombat checks.
• The platoon leader should issue the OPORD.

PHASE 3. PERFORMANCE TRAINING

Performance training consists of executing the platoon leader's plan in the PGT. The platoon must use proper gunnery techniques and reporting procedures (digital reporting via IVIS for the AGTS).

PHASE 4. AFTER-ACTION REVIEW

The final phase consists of a formal AAR. The AAR is conducted using a sand table (if available) and the system playback. As a minimum, the following training points should be reviewed:

• Offensive/defensive fire planning.
• Actions on contact.
• Platoon fire commands, techniques of engagement, and fire patterns.
• Reporting procedures (digital reporting via IVIS for the AGTS).
• Platoon records, including target kill percentage (a 70-percent kill of all enemy targets is required to pass).

System Information

For more information about the PGT systems, to include future upgrades and general information, contact the Senior Instructor Operator Section, Hill Hall, Fort Knox, KY, (DSN) 464-5364, (Commercial) 502-624-5364 or Crew Gunnery Doctrine Branch, DTDD, COFT Subject Matter Expert, Fort Knox, KY, (DSN) 464-1089/5807, (Commercial) 502-624-1089/5807.