It was an unconventional assignment for a Business Insider reporter who set out to experience firsthand the rigors and complexities of modern air defense.
A Business Insider reporter recently underwent training on two pivotal short-range air-defense systems, revealing the nuanced skills required to operate such equipment effectively.
Fort Sill, located in Oklahoma, nurtures the US Army's Air Defense Artillery School, a place where the precision and pressure of air defense are taught and mastered. Here, the technologies that stand as the first line of defense against aerial threats are the Avenger and Stinger systems—both integral to protecting forces from aerial adversaries.
The reporter's immersion into the world of air defense began with the Avenger system, a robust setup mounted on a Humvee and armed with a .50 caliber machine gun and Stinger missiles. This system is designed to counter a range of low-flying threats, from drones and cruise missiles to helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
Training for the Avenger employs the Institutional Conduct of Fire Trainer (ICOFT) simulator, a virtual environment that recreates battlefield scenarios to hone the operator's skills.
The intricacies of Simulation-based Training
The contrast in training between the Avenger and the Stinger systems highlighted the sophistication and immersiveness of modern military simulators. The FIM-92 Stinger, a man-portable air-defense system, presents its unique challenges, utilizing infrared-guided missiles to neutralize airborne threats.
Known for their deployment in conflicts since the 1980s and recently supplied to Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February 2022, Stinger missiles demand precision and quick decision-making from their operators.
The training utilizes the Improved Moving Target Simulator (IMTS), affectionately known as the "Stinger Dome," enveloping trainees in a 360-degree environment where simulated enemy helicopters become targets.
Reflecting on the experience, the reporter shared:
My training on the Avenger and Stinger involved practicing with two different types of simulators, and while they felt pretty realistic, I found one to be a lot more immersive than the other. They were also both a lot more difficult than they looked at first glance. It felt a bit like playing a video game in expert mode.
Respect for the Protectors of the Skies
This dive into the world of air defense sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by those at the forefront of airborne protection. The reporter's venture, while simulatory, underscored the skill and dedication demanded of military personnel responsible for operating these systems.
"Taking out simulated enemy helicopters proved to be surprisingly difficult," remarked the reporter, emphasizing the intricacies involved in distinguishing and engaging hostile aircraft amidst a chaotic battlefield scenario.
This unique experience offered the reporter not just a glimpse into the technicalities of air defense but also instilled a deep respect for military personnel. Navigating through the intricacies of the Avenger and Stinger systems was no mere game; it was a profound insight into the responsibilities shouldered by those ensuring the safety of their fellow service members against aerial threats.
Reflecting on this, the reporter concluded, "Both of the simulations were equally difficult, though, and I walked away knowing that I probably wouldn't make a very good air defender and with a new-found appreciation for anyone that has to do this for real."
Conclusion
The immersive training experience at Fort Sill offered a Business Insider reporter detailed insights into operating two critical air-defense systems: the Avenger and the Stinger. Advanced simulators brought the complexities and challenges of engaging enemy aircraft to light, highlighting the skills and quick reflexes needed to master these systems. It was a journey that demonstrated the technological prowess of military defense mechanisms and fostered a renewed respect for the servicemen and women tasked with operating them in the defense of their nation.
