Army to Ditch Legacy Training System for New Simulation Tech.

• Author: Mayfield, Mandy
• Position: NEWS BRIEFS

* The Army is working to develop new simulation technology that will replace the Instrumentable-Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, service officials announced in March.

The Army plans to ditch I-MILES--which simulates the firing capabilities and vulnerabilities of dismounted troops, tactical vehicles and combat vehicles during training--for a new 3D training tool in the coming years, said Maj. Gen. Maria Gervais, director of the synthetic training environment cross-functional team under Army Futures Command.

The synthetic training environment, or STE, is a training and mission rehearsal tool that brings together live, virtual, constructive and gaming environments to improve soldier and unit readiness.

The replacement of the legacy system is part of an effort to accelerate the STE in support of the Army's modernization efforts, Gervais said at an Association of the United States Army event in March.

"We have been directed to focus on our direct fire--so think force-on-force--and replace our MILES capability," she said.

The Army aims to improve direct fire and indirect fire capabilities in the synthetic environment within the next two to five years, she said.

The STE's abbreviated capability development document--a record of the service's position on developing a new capability--has been approved and soon will go before the Army Requirements Oversight Council, Gervais said.

Soldiers currently wear the I-MILES instrument that can be "shot" with a laser to mimic being fired on in a real battle.

The tool was established in the 1970s and is facing challenges as it approaches the end of its lifecycle in 2026, said Karen Saunders, program executive officer for simulation, training and instrumentation.

Officials plan to execute multiple other transaction authority agreements to begin exploring replacement options for I-MILES this year, she said.

"We need to start looking at...