<title>Individual combatant simulator for tactics training and mission rehearsal</title>

Abstract

This individual combatant simulator (ICS) provides ground force leaders opportunities to practice tactical skills on the simulated battlefield by directing dismounted computer- generated forces in combatant and non-combatant exercises. Integrated hardware and software systems allow leaders to operate on the simulated battlefield as they would on the physical battlefield using combinations of voice commands, arm signals, virtual tools, and virtual weapons. Hardware components include image generator, head-mounted display, 3D sound, spatial tracking, instrumented glove, synthesized speech, and voice recognition systems. The training simulator can be operated on a network. Four types of evaluations, including performance of authentic tasks and subjective evaluations, were conducted using dismounted infantry soldiers and university students as participants. The results indicated that the ICS was easy to learn and use, could be used to conduct training exercises, supported skillful performance in training exercises, and was engaging and compelling for the users. These initial evaluations indicated ease of learning and use of the simulator, as well as the potential for training effectiveness.