Operator Driving Simulator
Training and Education Command Official Unit Logo
Training and Education Command
Quantico, Virginia

The Operator Driving Simulator trains vehicle operators on multiple vehicle platforms. The trainer uses a manufactured cab with interchangeable dash sets that replicate the look and functionality of the vehicle chosen for simulation. It also utilizes an appended armor kit to simulate the appropriate field of view for the selected vehicle. The systems are equipped with three-degrees-of-freedom seat motion for the driver and 180 degrees of visual display via three electronic displays. There are six ODS Student Training Stations. Current vehicle types available on the ODS are: Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), MTVR with MTVR Armor System (MAS), Up-Armored Highly Mobile Multiple Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle (MATV), Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category I Cougar (4x4), Category II Cougar (6x6) and Category III Buffalo (FPII variants). There is an OEM Field Service Representatives (FSR) who serves as the primary operator and maintainer for this training system. The FSR is available to provide training to unit personnel who can then act as the operator for unit training if desired/needed.

Portfolio Manager
Telephone:  703-432-2352

This system provides Marines familiarity with these vehicles prior to driving them in austere environments while avoiding costs for fuel consumption and the wear-and-tear on the actual vehicles. Twenty percent of the required driving mileage to obtain a tactical vehicle driver's license can be accomplished using the ODS.

  • Provides exposure to various immersive training scenarios for training and testing in various weather conditions, roads types or traffic environments.

  • Provides After Action feedback.

  • Models the effect of different weather patterns, various terrain and tactical environments.

  • Teaches Marines to drive under a variety of potential road conditions.

  • Provides incidental level and driver sustainment level training.

  • Trains Marines on a performance evaluated system of licensing and sustainment in accordance with the USMC Technical Manual and Motor Transport Licensing Official Manual.

  • Provides an operational check of a Marine level of proficiency.

  • Creates, stores, utilizes, and shares scenarios with other units through digital format acceptable transportation modality.

System Overview
  • The USMC-ODS is a computer-based operator driving simulator used to provide entry and sustainamment level operator familiarization training to MOS 35XX and all incidental drivers. It provides student operators with immersive and realistic experiences in operating the selected vehicles both on/off road in multiple training scenarios.

  • The ODS provides real-world training in vehicle operations in environments drivers may experience in various road and weather conditions Cab configurations include interchangeable vehicle extension kits consisting of dash panels, steering wheels, panels to restrict drivers view based on vehicle type and vehicle dynamics software to replicate Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), MAS (MTVR Armor System). Up-Armored High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Cougar (Category L 4x4 and Category II, 6x6); Buffalo (Category III) and MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV). ODS cab configurations are installed in stationary facilities and mobile trailers currently at 26 locations; 8 Active Duty and 19 Reserve sites. Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) representatives serve as primary operators and system maintainers at the Active Duty Sites. The Reserve units rely on a Roving Technician to support the systems.

Modular VehiclE Cab

USMC-ODS uses a modular vehicle cab that can be reconfigured to replicate the following:

  • M1114 (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) )

  • Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) , with Marine Armor System (MAS)

  • Cougar 4X4 and 6x6 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP)

  • MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV)

  • Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) (FY2 1)

Terrain Databases
  • On/Off Road

  • Mountains

  • Forest

  • Eastern Europe

  • Middle East

  • Serpentine/Obstacle Course

  • Camp Pendleton, CA

  • Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twenty Nine Palms, CA

  • MCB Okinawa, JPN

  • Iwakuni, JPN

  • MCB, HI

  • Ft. Leonard wood, MO

  • MCB Quantico, VA

  • Camp Lejeune, NC

To see the list of Events that can be accomplished utilizing the ODS, click the below link:

ODS Events 
Marine Corps Training and Education Command