U.S. Tank Platoon Training for the 1987 Canadian Army Trophy (CAT) competition Using a Simulation Networking (SIMNET) System

Three U.S. Armor companies, nine tank platoons, participated in the 1987 Canadian Army Trophy (CAT) competition. Each tank platoon trained using a Simulation Networking (SIMNET) system in addition to other conventional methods to prepare for CAT. This report presents (a) the conduct and effects of S...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kraemer, Ronald E, Bessemer, David W
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
ARMOR
ARMY TRAINING
BATTLES
CONTROL
FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS
FIREPOWER
FIRING TESTS(ORDNANCE)
GUNNERY
GUNNERY TRAINERS
LEADERSHIP
Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies
M-1 TANKS
MANEUVERABILITY
NETWORKS
OBSERVATION
PE63744A
Personnel Management and Labor Relations
PLATOON LEVEL ORGANIZATIONS
SIMULATION
SKILLS
SUPERVISORS
TANK CREWS
TANK GUNS
TANKS(COMBAT VEHICLES)
TRAINING
UCOFT(UNIT CONDUCTOR OF FIRE TRAINERS)
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Summary:Three U.S. Armor companies, nine tank platoons, participated in the 1987 Canadian Army Trophy (CAT) competition. Each tank platoon trained using a Simulation Networking (SIMNET) system in addition to other conventional methods to prepare for CAT. This report presents (a) the conduct and effects of SIMNET training, based on direct observation and interviews; (b) the results of CAT competition for U.S. units; and (c) the potential relationships between CAT results and SIMNET training combined with other unit training. Findings suggest that SIMNET training may have helped unit leaders develop the command, control, and communication (C3) skills to effectively execute those plans during platoon battle runs. Other major contributing factors to CAT outcomes were conducting live fire battle runs and tank crew gunnery training on the M1 Unit Conduct of Fire Trainer (UCOFT). The most apparent shortcoming in the SIMNET system that may have interfered with effective CAT training was in the simulation of the M1 tank's fire control system. Also, drivers had some temporary difficulties in using fine control skills and maneuvering platoon formations.