So, You Think You Know LRAS3?

In September of 2008, Product Manager Forward-Looking Infrared (PM FLIR) began a new training program for units fielding the long-range advanced scout surveillance system (LRAS3). The use of mobile training facilities (MTF) incorporates the newest technologies, including simulations and interactive multimedia instruction. Not only are seasoned instructors enhancing soldiers’ knowledge on how the LRAS3 operates, they are also teaching soldiers how the sensor functions and how to maintain the system. The idea that the LRAS3 is just “a big pair of binoculars” is disingenuous; the LRAS3 is so much more. This system allows students to identify threats that would not otherwise be visible to the naked eye, and makes it possible to positively identify a vehicle from a distance greater than any other sensor. The LRAS3 has a specific versatility, which permits it to operate on a tripod in the prone position, mounted on a vehicle, and in all weather conditions. Based on feedback from soldiers with previous deployment experiences, we learned that our training program was long overdue; the majority of students in the program used the LRAS3 for more than 12 months in theater and had no idea of its capabilities. PM FLIR quickly reacted to the need for improved training and developed the LRAS3 operator new equipment training (OPNET) and direct support new equipment training (DSNET) to not only instruct the student, but enable him to train other soldiers. The OPNET course consists of 3 days and 1 night of training and is designed for military occupational specialty (MOS) 19D, and occasionally 11B. By the end of the course, the student operator will know all system capabilities, basic thermal theory, and the importance of being the operator. Student operators learn fundamentals such as proper system mounting and dismounting, operator-level maintenance, and vehicle recognition through thermal cues. By the end of training, they will have more than 15 hours of operating time on the simulator and live LRAS3. The DSNET course is for maintainers, normally MOS 45G, 94A, or 94F, and is a 3-day course to refresh students on the sensor and provide up-to-date information on correct procedures for testing, removal, and replacing parts. The maintainer course also includes instruction on sensor operations, system capabilities, and thermal theory. Student maintainers learn how to identify components and properly disassemble the sensor. They also learn about key maintenance requirements, such as how to operate the maintenance support device (MSD) and what is included in the test program set (TPS). With this extensive training, student maintainers can troubleshoot and fix problems that may occur with the sensor. Implementation of the DSNET mobile maintenance facility, in September 2009, provides unit maintainers additional training tools such as the LRAS3 maintenance emulator. This emulator takes the student maintainer through step-by-step troubleshooting paces; the instructor induces faults/component failures and follows procedures taken by students to ensure they completely understand LRAS3 maintenance. So, You Think You Know LRAS3? by Victor Combes 32 January-February 2010

As part of its effort to continuously improve the entire NET package, PM FLIR also recognized the need for leader training on the LRAS3 system’s capabilities and possible tactics, techniques, and procedures that can be used with the sensor. For example, if the S2, S3, or commander is in the tactical operations center (TOC) and receives targeting information from a soldier on the ground, there may be a delay in response if the leader does not clearly understand the LRAS3’s capabilities. It is difficult to understand, without training and hands-on experience, the true capabilities of this sensor and the distances from which it can detect the enemy. The leaders training class is 1 day and covers capabilities, operations, and scenarios using the simulator and LRAS3. Training consists of area and zone recons (near and far locations), as well as checkpoint operations. As we continue to make improvements to the LRAS3 simulator, the ability of leaders to maneuver LRAS3 on the simulated battlefield will also improve. For example, students will soon use simulators to rehearse possible objectives for upcoming deployments. In addition to training classes, each student is given an interactive multimedia instructional compact disk, which enables students to refresh training on an as-needed basis or train others on the LRAS3’s capabilities. The CD includes a test on each section, which allows experienced trainers to test their soldiers, review test scores, and save the results to guarantee soldiers know the intricate details of how the LRAS3 operates. The multimedia instructional packet also contains the recognition of combatants (ROC) suite with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and vehicles, which enable students to positively identify IEDs, suicide bombers, and thermal cues for different vehicles when using the LRAS3. The future of LRAS3 brings operational and technological advancements that require training and awareness. Currently, a Picatinny Rail (which allows soldiers to mount a PEQ-2 laser illuminator) and monocular display are provided with the sensor. The PEQ-2 capability allows soldiers to illuminate targets at extended ranges; the monocular display provides the vehicle commander the opportunity to view what his operator sees. This capability enables the vehicle commander to populate the Force XXI battle command, brigade and below (FBCB2) more quickly, providing ground units updates as they occur. Beyond these enhancements, PM FLIR is working to provide a networked LRAS3 capability to interface with the FBCB2, which will allow the operator to populate call for fire and entity reports while he has eyes on the target. The networked capability will allow soldiers to conduct cooperative engagements with other networked systems by providing a cue-to-target. When the network is more robust, the netted LRAS3 will be able to send embedded images and video. Other future improvements include video-processing enhancements for image recording, scene stabilization, and moving-target indicators. The evolution of the LRAS3 will continue as other enhancements are being developed. So, if you think you know the LRAS3, or you refer to it as “a big pair of binoculars,” think again! Retired Master Sergeant Victor Combes is currently the training team lead, LRAS3, Product Manager Forward-Looking Infrared, Fayetteville, NC. His military education includes Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course; Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis, and Exploitation Techniques Course; Special Forces Qualification Course; Special Forces Combat Diver Course; Special Forces Dive Medical Course; Special Forces Operations and Intelligence Course; and Ranger School. During his career, he served in various leader and staff positions, to include team lead, personal security detail, U.S. Department of State, Iraq; actions officer, G7, Special Forces Command, Fort Bragg, NC; and detachment sergeant, U.S. Army 3d Special Forces, Fort Bragg. “…the majority of students in the program used the LRAS3 for more than 12 months in theater and had no idea of its capabilities. PM FLIR quickly reacted to the need for improved training and developed the LRAS3 operator new equipment training (OPNET) and direct support new equipment training (DSNET) to not only instruct the student, but enable him to train other soldiers.” January-February 2010 33 “Student maintainers learn how to identify components and properly disassemble the sensor. They also learn about key maintenance requirements, such as how to operate the maintenance support device (MSD) and what is included in the test program set (TPS). With this extensive training, student maintainers can troubleshoot and fix problems that may occur with the sensor.”