SAN DIEGO — Deployed troops often find that when generators break down in the field, they have a tough time figuring out how to repair them.
To fill that need, some military units are now purchasing computerized manuals that provide virtual-reality training.
One of the manuals, made by NGRAIN Corp., a Canadian defense contractor, provides two types of instruction: virtual task trainers and the portable maintenance aide. They are used to learn how to maintain and repair Stryker vehicle engines, brakes, auxiliary power units and small arms, said Gabe Batstone, company vice president.
The virtual task trainers have been used at Fort Eustis, Va., and Camp Victory, Iraq.
The portable maintenance aide can be operated from tablet-size computers or personal digital assistants, Batstone said. The user can write “virtual notes” on the screen. For example, if a soldier fixes a vehicle, the maintenance aide will display a 3D picture of the system where he can write on “virtual sticky notes” exactly where the problem is.
Batstone pointed out that virtual instruction is not meant to replace live training and classroom instruction with actual generators and other power systems.
“We believe it should be used as a blended training system … they should still use hard trainers,” he said.
All branches of the U.S. military, as well as the Canadian Air Force and Army, use the training program, Batstone said.
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