Mobile Counter-IED Interactive Trainer (MCIT)
Asymmetric/Unconventional warfare is not a new phenomenon, and the concept of "booby traps" and improvised explosives have a long history. In the contemporary operating environment though, IEDs are the primary cause of Warfighter fatalities. While the idea isn't new, the means and methods change rapidly. In order to better train the Warfighter how to understand and deal with these threats, the Mobile Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Interactive Trainer (MCIT) endeavors to create a training environment that helps to better prepare the Warfighter for IED attacks, and move towards helping to more quickly develop a "6th sense" in-theater.
The goal of the MCIT is to deliver training that meets the learning objectives identified by Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization Joint Center of Excellence (JIEDDO JCOE). Central to this is the ability for U.S. forces to recognize an emplaced IED under a variety of complex attack scenarios in the contemporary operating environment. This includes understanding the basic components of an IED and the function of each component as well as the most common initiating systems. In addition, knowledge of the terrain and environmental features used to mask the most common initiating systems and implementation of C-IED procedures appropriate for each attack are required along with recall of the key C-IED enablers and the conditions for their use.
The target audience includes lower level enlisted (E1-4,5) and lower level officers (O1-2).
Given the short timeline for delivery of the initial MCIT trainer at Ft. Bragg and Camp Pendleton, an accelerated research and development approach was used. The initial design was performed in parallel with the underlying research and development necessary for a more fully interactive, immersive and holistic approach to C-IED training. Working with educational psychologists and military Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and combined with feedback from the initial "v0.5" deployment, the ICT is developing the "v1.0" next-generation immersive training experience that combines a rich suite of physical, visual, aural, and virtual elements.
The current design consists of a series of four (4) modified 40' Conex boxes (CBs). The first three CBs introduce the various types of IEDs and familiarize Warfighters with how insurgents utilize IEDs, both from the BLUFOR and OPFOR viewpoints. Narrative story vignettes from an insurgent bomb maker and US soldiers help deliver the training materials and guide the trainees through the self-paced experience. CB2 is modeled after an Afghan bombmaker's residence and includes aspects of search training as well as component identification and emplacement tactics. In the last box, CB4, the learning Warfighters will assume the roles of being an insurgent ambush team as well as mounted patrol and take part in an interactive red vs. blue exercise. A Debrief will be provided following the experience to assess what the Warfighters have learned.
This project differs from others in the following ways:
A mobile training solution the includes narrative storyline video content, static displays and game/simulation experience
Self-paced and self-motivated training
Geo-specific scenarios and information
Tags: cognitive, counter-ied, game, narrative, terrain
