Apr 21, 2021
The Office of Naval Research has developed augmented and virtual reality tools to make it easier to train the Marines who help protect infantry by keeping an eye on the ground situation and calling in necessary air artillery, mortar and naval gunfire.
Working from forward positions, Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) direct combat aircraft in support of offensive operations, and Fire Support Marines adjust artillery and naval surface fire support. Both call for the use of sophisticated reconnaissance and range-finding technology while coordinating fire support from multiple assets.
The JTAC Virtual Trainer (JVT) and 3D Warfighter Augmented Reality (WAR) give Marines a way to practice their skills without participating in live-fire exercises involving expensive ordnance and aircraft or spending time in large indoor simulators that require scheduling, a building and a staff, according to a recent ONR article.