(d) Field training. In field training exercises (FTX) (battlefield
maneuvers), each soldier is given a weapon-fire simulator, a helmet with PIN diodes,
and a uniform which has detectors at the arms, body, and legs. When any of the
detectors are hit by a laser beam, an audio alarm in the soldier's helmet goes off. At the
same time, this action disables the soldier's rifle. The soldier has become a battlefield
casualty after being hit by a laser beam rifle. The multiple integrated laser engagement
system (MILES) is the name of the simulated laser training system used by US
soldiers. A major advantage of MILES is that it provides automatic feedback on the
outcome of each independent weapon engagement (if the soldier is hit, a detector goes
off immediately); training more like actual combat than the previously used cardboard
targets which could not shoot back. Consequently, soldiers learn to respond to
situations which could occur on the battlefield and to develop combat proficiency
against skilled and determined opponents (those soldiers acting as the enemy).
Figure 2-13. Soldier with complete battleground outfit.
Figure 2-14. Soldier using a GaAs weapon simulator.
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