Gunslingers gain new training facility

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Megan P. Lyon
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  A person stumbles into the 366th Security Forces Squadron and walks up to the law enforcement desk.

The Airman behind the desk has a few seconds to decide how hostile the drunken person is and make a decision on how they will handle the situation. As the drunken person raises their empty bottle at the Airman, the Airman draws his weapon and takes necessary measures to subdue any hostile intent.

Scenarios like this are now available for 366th SFS personnel to practice on thanks to the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 facility, a computer-operated indoor weapons training simulator, opened by the squadron in late 2007 at its current location next to the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance facility.

EST 2000 uses computer software, modified weapons, surround sound and a pair of 13-foot long projection screens to simulate hundreds of battle scenarios and weapons range training.

"The system incorporates realistic real-world training for scenarios an Airman could potentially see in the area of responsibility," said Staff Sgt. James Parker, 366th SFS combat arms instructor. "We've had the system for a few years, but until late last year, it was housed in a different location. Now the new facility is located next to the CATM facility."

The system has three modes: marksmanship, collective tasks and shoot-don't-shoot scenarios. The marksmanship and collective tasks modes use computer-generated images to focus on a variety of shooting skills. The shoot-don't-shoot mode was designed for military police and teaches the judgmental use of force through video-based scenarios.

"The system can also escalate and de-escalate the scenarios, so they're never the same," said Master Sgt. Tobby Slay, 366th SFS logistics superintendent.

With the aid of modified real weapons, electronics and scenarios built from experience, the EST 2000 gives Airmen the feel of combat from the safety of their home station.

"It also gives us the opportunity to record all training sessions and review them afterward to see what went right or wrong," said Sergeant Parker.

The system includes the use of the M-9 pistol, M-4 carbine, M-16A2 rifle, M-203 grenade launcher, M-249 squad automatic weapon, M-240B machine gun, M-2 machine gun, MK-19 automatic grenade launcher, and M-60 machine gun.

When an Airman fires one of the weapons programmed into the system, hidden air compressors provide the recoil action for that particular weapon while a studio sound system creates realistic firing sounds and explosions, if applicable.

"The system lets the troops see first hand what they may experience in the deployed location prior to arriving," said Sergeant Parker.

The EST 2000 isn't just for combat arms training; it also serves as a learning tool for Airmen who have difficulty in rifle marksmanship. The system is capable of diagnosing an Airman's shooting problems, making it easier for the instructor to give the Airman guidance.

"The system lets Airmen practice without risking their lives, incurring the cost of ammunition and wear and tear on real-world weapons," said Sergeant Slay.