Army Taps Industry for Small Arms Training System Development

Some U.S. Army officials have said the service aims to expand partnerships with industry in efforts to develop small arms trainers designed to utilize simulation technology and realistic weaponry, National Defense Magazine reported Friday.

Maj. Gen. Maria Gervais, deputy commanding general of the Combined Arms Center-Training and head of the Synthetic Training Environment team, said the Army has added synthetic training environment to the branch’s top modernization priorities.

Gervais added the projects include development of a squad advanced marksmanship and immersive virtual trainers.

Brig. Gen. Michael Sloane, Army program executive officer for simulation, training and instrumentation, said the service wants to leverage rapid prototyping methods and collaborate with companies on military training projects through other transaction agreements.

The branch aims to deploy new training platforms in the mid-2020s.