Integrating geographically adjudicated devices, such as mortars, into a laser-based Live Training environment necessitates a change in how damage is adjudicated compared to point-to-point targeting of lasers.  Currently, indirect fire is simulated centrally through the exercise control with battle damage assessment being pushed to the affected trainees.  This approach reduces training realism because the soldiers are not provided with an origin in the field or the ability to counter-fire.  There have been numerous attempts to create devices that would trigger laser receptors or otherwise imitate an area effect response, but they have not been incorporated into US combat training centers.  Advancing technology has introduced new mechanisms to simulate weapons which may have an area of effect and make use of those models in Force-on-Force collective training.

This paper discusses changes to the live environment to more fully exercise brigade combat team capabilities using advanced mortar, grenade, and mine simulators. The approach used to develop and test the devices is discussed along with plans for continuing to integrate devices into the existing Live Training environment.

Keywords
ADAPTABILITY, ARCHITECTURE, CONCEPTUAL MODELING, DATA, ENVIRONMENTS, TERRAIN, URBAN ENVIRONMENT

Additional Keywords
Mortar, Indirect Fire, Soldier Training, Live Training