Game-changer for close-quarter battle skills
A new $17 million combat simulation facility, featuring 840 square metres of manoeuvrable floor space and a close-quarter battle range, was officially opened at Robertson Barracks, Darwin, on February 19.
CAPTION: Soldiers from the 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, conduct a room clearance at the close-quarter battle area of the open-plan weapons training simulation system at Robertson Barracks in Darwin. Story and photos by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton.
Offering a large floor plan for manoeuvrability and training, the open-plan weapon training simulation system (OP WTSS) gives Australian Defence Force personnel more freedom to hone combat shooting skills.
Robertson Barracks OP WTSS manager Mark Mahoney said the older facility had a fixed firing line on a stage, limiting soldiers to static shooting.
“This is now a manoeuvre range,” Mr Mahoney said.
While the computer simulation remains unchanged – enabling repetition and fast resets – the new system offers flexibility to tailor training packages to operational requirements.
CAPTION: Soldiers conduct a room clearance at the close-quarter battle area of the open-plan weapon training simulation system in Darwin.
Private Thane Butler-Henderson, of the 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, said the new system allowed soldiers to advance on targets, move between cover and incorporate more combat shooting disciplines while testing procedures.
While the OP WTSS has been in operation since July last year, the latest addition to the facility is the close-quarter battle range.
Modular walls allow rooms, corridors, doorways and windows to be configured to create urban complexes.
Mobile screens within the rooms project targets that soldiers can shoot.
The only limitation is the facility’s floor space.
CAPTION: Soldiers conduct a room clearance at the close-quarter battle area of the open-plan weapon training simulation system in Darwin.
In future, the system can be upgraded with the addition of furniture, augmented audio and other features, further immersing soldiers in a first-person simulated environment.
Private Butler-Henderson and his section were among the first soldiers to run through the set-up.
“It’s a huge asset for all of us, especially the infantry,” Private Butler-Henderson said.
“With Darwin’s heat, training indoors allows us to practise in full kit and body armour without overheating, helping us refine our drills more effectively.”
The project was funded by the Australian Government through the United States Force Posture Initiative Branch, enabling US military use of the facility while training with Australians.
Defence Minister Richard Marles officially opened the facility.
CAPTION: Soldiers from the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, conduct a simulated range practice at the Open Plan Weapon Training Simulation System facility.
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