Military Technology 06/2021

or Asia-Pacific. By contrast, US forces cannot ignore readiness in any potential geo-political or geo-economic hotspot. Among likely theaters for future engagements is the complex terrain of urban warfare. Sprawling, skyscraping ‘megapolitans’ provide un- precedented challenges: obtaining line-of-sight in low-visibility condi- tions; concealing and covering, as well as evading snipers; maneuvering through unfamiliar streets, teeming with heavy traffic; clearly identifying threats; and avoiding civilian casualties. Collective training, with augmented reality, provides one of the most viable tools to prepare soldiers for such conditions. Augmented Reality as a Path to Overmatch Augmented reality, big data and cloud networks enable the technolo- gy for immersive, ‘anywhere, anytime,’ synchronized, collective training. Augmented reality superimposes virtual artifacts on any indoor or outdoor training facility. Big data provides the detailed information for comput- er-generated avatars and threats, superimposing the settings in which combat will happen. Finally, cloud networks provide the massive capacity datalinks required to connect teams, squads and platoons for collabora- tive exercises and mission rehearsal. Together, the timely integration of these systems offers a path forward in the uncharted arena of achieving overmatch in urban warfare. However, technology is only part of the story. Knowledge of the human dimensions of confident learning makes it memorable for indi- vidual soldiers and their four-person teams. As the pioneer and leaders in simulation for American and allied forces, InVeris Training Solutions understands the physical and psychological factors behind developing effective Close-Quarter-Battle (CQB) capabilities, an essential in block- by-block conflict. For example, with collective augmented reality, soldiers can prac- tice attacking a ‘virtual shoot house’ with real-time location, movement, orientation and biological signal sensing. In immersive scenarios, they will confront realistic enemy and non-combatant players, digitally created with a panorama of suspects, hostages and terrorists, along with inno- cent bystanders. Software will translate the physical dimensions of the shoot house to this operational environment. Using high-fidelity, untethered weapons, trainees can then learn the right way to enter and clear a room. Surrounded by avatars of vulnerable children, alongside menacing and suspicious characters, they will have a split second in which to assess the situation and act. This kind of training has never been possible until now, which is why military customers have been looking forward to the December 2021 introduction of InVeris’ first AR system – SRCE (See, Rehearse, Collectively Experience, or ‘Source’). Overmatch: the Big Picture and Precise Details When one thinks of overmatch, it is logical to conjure images of multi-­ domain operations (MDO), a strategic orchestration of naval, air, ground and cyber forces acting in concert. But the building blocks for this scale of undertaking go back to that team of four soldiers on a dimly lit alleyway. Their goal is to secure a room, then a block and on to a neighborhood. Their every action must be confident and precise. That is why InVeris op- timized its new SRCE augmented reality system – a basic tactical element to realize the mission strategy. InVeris affirms that beyond modernization efforts, the source of mis- sion-critical success resides with the contribution of the precision-trained, dedicated soldier. Eric Perez is InVeris Training Solutions’ Director of Virtual System Sales & Business Development, covering both law enforcement and military sales for domestic and international customers. A 20-year veteran of InVeris, during which time he has progressed from Weapons Assembly Technician through various BD roles to his present position, he previously served in the US Marine Corps as a Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team member. A recent white paper, released by the US Army in March, outlined the ongoing transformation for not only how the military fights, but how it organizes and trains. “The development of our soldiers’ and leaders’ technology skills to operate in this significantly more complex environment is at the forefront of the Army’s strategy,” the white paper states. “There is no substitute for exercises in the dirt, such as at our combat training centers, but we must add to that training with augmented reality and a synthetic training environment that will dramatically increase the quality of training without dramatic cost increases.” The document goes on to say that “although our Army still maintains overmatch, it is fleeting.” It then affirms that changing “the way we train” is key to the transformation necessary to meet tomorrow’s challenges. ‘Fleeting’ seems an unusual description to be applied to American military superiority and dominance. The US Department of Defense spends more on defense than the next 11 countries combined, including China, India and Russia, according to information published in July by the Peter G Peterson Foundation. No one threatens the United States and the armed forces of its allies across the board. However, near-peer countries and smaller nations with high-capability forces have found a work-around in regional hegemony. By strengthening ground troop levels and modernizing equipment, they can gain advan- tage within their sphere of interest, be it Eastern Europe, the Middle East Guest Editorial MT 6/2021 · 5 (Photo: InVeris) Eric Perez Maintaining Overmatch Begins With Augmented Reality