Two Training Devices Add Realism, Cut Costs Of M I Transition Training

Through years of experience in training the Active and Reserve Components, we have found that simple, realistic, quality training provides soldiers with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Particularly within the Reserve Component, leaders must focus on four factors to ensure quality training: realism, safety, maintenance, and admidpreparation time. The Combat Vehicle Transition Training Team (CVT3) at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho is currently conducting transition training on M1 Abrams tanks. Training soldiers in accordance with the M1 Abrams TRADOC program of instruction, the team’s focus remains on these four factors.! Wallentine in-bore subcaliber device uses. Sn-cal ammo 1,Cdbegantrain-Device. Here is how these itional Guard unit realism and contribute to the West Vireinia. The Armored Cavalry simple, inexpensive devices pro factors of aualitv trainine: In January 1990 ing the 107th Regiment, a Nz regiment provided four in-bore SO-caliber training devices, commonly called the Wallentine Device, which was developed by the New Jersey National Guard. The C d team was interested in using t c to provide more realisti training, substituting it fare Device. from Ohio and._. (7 Training Realism:, Lll. U

C. U l U l ‘c subcaliber for the Tel- 0 ’ worrl One of our instructors, SSG Eric Moore, immediately saw the need to store the SO-caliber rounds for the in-bore device and innovatively developed what we call the Moore two vide four 0 Provides full crew interactive frD;n;ng (includes loader realism). The gunner is not required to 1 about pulling the trigger too long because only one round is loaded at a time. 0 The technique permits a fully buttoned-up environment. There is no need to keep the 20 ARMOR - September-October 7990 loader’s hatch open to recharge the Telfare Device. 0 Loader’s required actions are very similar to main gun loading times. 0 As the XM903 Sabot Light Armor Piercing-Tracer (SLAP-T) round is type-classified and becomes available, ammo selection may be trained. The SLAP-Tis a close ballistic match to the HEAT round up to 1,200 meters. 0 The device is stable, even on the move, so the strike of the round is more accurate. 0 Elevation uncouple switch interaction may be trained. 0 The Wallentine Device installation uses the main gun boresight device, which causes crews to perform proper boresight procedure. 0 Even though the Army’s policy is the firing screening test, the Wallentine Device allows for zeroing procedures in accordance with Volume I1 of the operator’s manual. Safety: 0 The Moore Device trains use of the knee switch and requires keeping the ammunition door closed during firing. 0 The spent case ejection arm must be forward to load and unload the Wallentine device. 0 The Moore device provides realistic ammunition storage, thus prevents ammunition from vibrating and falling on the turret floor. 0 To work on the Wallentine Device during stoppages does not doore device is placed in ammo rack, creating realistic loader involvement. require the loader’s M240 and the TC‘s M2 machine guns to be cleared and elevated. Maintenance: 0 The device is stable, and does not vibrate loose or require readjustment. 0 Misfires and stoppages are rare, usually due to bad ammunition. 0 No long cable is needed, eliminating fraying and breaking. 0 A screwdriver or pocket knife is the only tool required to install the Wallentine and Moore Devices. Admin/preparation Time: 0 Installation time is less than five minutes with one short wire connected to firing circuit. 0 The Wallentine Device requires no seating bursts. 0 A set of Wallentine and Moore Devices can be exchanged from one tank to another with minimum adjustment. C d members are firm believers in these two simple, realistic training devices and are dedicated to pursuing future ways and devices to provide soldiers quality training. ARMOR - Sepfember-October 1990 Lieutenant Colonel Randall

F. Williams has served as the commandant of the CVT3 for two years at Gowen Field, Idaho, and has more than seven years of transition training experience on the Mi Abrams and M60A3 tanks, both in the Active and Reserve Components. 21