In large part, construction equipment operator training is conducted using actual equipment. Personnel costs for operators and instructors; equipment costs including fuel, maintenance, and wear and tear; and indirect costs associated with removing equipment from productive work limit the cost effectiveness of this approach. Furthermore, the use of actual equipment increases risk and limits the opportunity for instructional feedback.

While simulators have been used to reduce the need for actual equipment in training for many types of military systems, they have not, as yet, been used in large part to support training for construction equipment. The Construction Equipment Virtual Trainer Hydraulic Excavator (CEVT HyEx) represents the U.S. Army's initial use of simulation to support training of construction equipment operators. This system provides cost-effective training in a risk-free, highly accessible environment for personnel with little or no experience in operating excavators. The simulator models the form, fit and function of the Hydraulic Excavator Model 230 LCR controls and provides instruction in basic machine operation and skills through a training curriculum progressing from control orientation through complex application tasks. The CEVT HyEx incorporates ten interactive training lessons which focus on operator technique and safety; and, are designed to increase the operator's awareness and confidence, provide the ability to train in inclement weather and reduce equipment damage and soldier injuries. Detailed performance measurement capabilities provide immediate and meaningful feedback to operators and provide a mechanism for assessing and tracking performance through the training curriculum.

This paper will describe how the capabilities of the simulator are being used to support the Army's increasing training needs at the Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. We will discuss how the simulator supports a new crawl-walk-run training approach being implemented by the Army, and will describe future plans for incorporating additional simulators.