The above statement is something that can happen to you while in a convoy. At the Ft. Carson Convoy Skills Trainer (CST) you can train on how to react.

The Convoy Skills Trainer is a collage of current simulations, supporting applications and hardware designed to address the training needs of convoy operations and convoy commanders.

CST consists of four mock-up HMMWVs, simulations/models and associated software tools required to compose, initialize, operate tune and maintain an operational environment to support the conduct of collective convoy operations training. CST enhances the effectiveness of convoy commanders and crews, exercises, and mission rehearsals by dramatically increasing the realism and scope of the available training environment.

The JCATS simulation supports HMMWV driving and other capabilities. All friendly, enemy and non-combatant events that occur while driving are produced by JCATS and its interaction with the virtual driving system; this system consists of the National Simulation Center`s "Commander`s Workstation" and MetaVR VRSG. Each HMMWV has JCATS laptop with software to track the driver's movement in the simulation and a corresponding map to help navigation. Each HMMWV is also equipped with a mixture of simulated individual weapons and a simulated crew-served weapon provided by the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST), which trainees use to engage the enemy in a gunnery scenario linked to the driving scenario.

As a result of the integration, training with networked convoy and gunnery simulations occurs in a seamless, more realistic manner; for example from within a scenario a convoy driver and other vehicle occupants can react defensively and return fire if the vehicle is under attack.

The CST enhances Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs) a process utilized by leaders to prepare their unit for a mission. Any unit with the specifics of each varied according to the mission should use them. Many of the things that need to be done, such as Pre-Combat Checks (PCCs) and Pre-Combat inspections (PCIs) may already be in the units SOPs as they are fairly standard from mission to mission. In situations where the missions conducted are similar to each other, such as tactical convoy operations on known routes, much of the planning may also be done ahead and merely updated for each new mission. The use of SOPs, drills and pre-mission preparation (e.g. detailed strip maps) will reduce the time required to prepare for a new assignment particularly. When lead times are often short.

The TLPs are:

  Receive the Mission
  Issue Warning Order
  Make the Tentative Plan
  Initiate Movement
  Conduct Reconnaissance
  Complete the Plan
  Issue Operations Order
  Supervise Execution

CST is not intended to take the place of live training; it augments overall unit training readiness and enables our soldiers to make better use of their training opportunities.

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