December 22, 2007: The U.S. Marine
Corps has bought a new generation of convoy simulators, called, simply enough
Combat Convoy Simulator (CCS). Devices like this have been around for over
three years now, to train troops who have to take vehicles through a hostile
urban environment (especially in Iraq). They use stationary vehicle bodies
(heavy truck or hummer) and large projection screens that display computer
controlled terrain. The latest version uses weapons that have a wireless
connection to the simulation computer, and built in capability to simulate
recoil. Troops are able to try out dozens of different combat situations they
might encounter on the road, and respond realistically. These simulators have
been very successful in quickly training troops to deal with combat convoys.
The Lockheed Martin Convoy Simulator is costing the marines about $875,000 per
vehicle simulated. There will be ten separate training centers, each with six
vehicles. These can train together via a network.
