MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The WFTBn. Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Training facility recently improved its marksmanship training capabilities by installing 12 new projectors and upgrading its simulated weapons and software - improvements that cost an estimated $500,000.
The new projectors were installed in every room of the
ISMT and are a vast improvement from the previous bulky projectors, according to range personnel.
"They're much smaller and a whole lot clearer and easier to work with," said Sgt. James Long, ISMT instructor, who explained that maintenance to the new projectors is easier since they only have one light bulb to replace, instead of the usual three. "The quality of picture is far greater than it was before."
In addition to the projectors, another Fire Arms Training System was installed in the rear of the building that includes three consoles, three large screens and an Infantry Squad Trainer -- a program that enables Marines to conduct more realistic training in virtual battlefields like Iwo Jima and Bosnia.
"It gives better explosions and a better feel for combat," said Long. "We can do tactical scenarios, call for fire, natural gun fire and do a close air support mission. Anything you can do on a conventional battlefield you can do here."
According to Long, the system also has the capability of linking to any other system in the Marine Corps.
"We can link up with anybody that has a system," said Long. "We can link up in the building with different rooms and fight each other."
Marines can also use the software's battlefield scenarios to train before deployments, where the fighting is anything but simulated. For instance, Marine Wing Support Squadron-273 from MCAS Beaufort recently used the new system to train before an upcoming deployment. However, the main purpose of FATS is to aid in training recruits during Grass Week. With the recently-upgraded simulated weapons, Primary Marksmanship Instructors can get a better idea of where recruits need help, since wherever a recruits aims during shooting will be shown on the screen.
"It gives us more confidence and the tools we need to see if recruits can grasp the concepts of marksmanship," said Long.