This event is the third in a series of professional development training opportunities coordinated by OTC’s senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Graham.

“My intent is to build camaraderie, expand professional knowledge and bring a military perspective to (Department of the Army civilians) who conduct operational testing on equipment and systems undergoing acquisition,” Graham said. “These (events) allow them to realize the fruits of their labor.”

Enlightening experience

Brian Miscavage, a military test plans analyst with OTC’s Mission Command Test Directorate, called the experience enlightening.

“First, I was amazed at how easy, yet complicated, the controls were,” said Miscavage, a veteran with 14 years military service, 22 ½ years civilian service and 26 ½ years total at OTC.

“Our soldiers obviously have to go through some pretty thorough training to become skilled users, plus I’m sure maintaining that level of training is probably challenging.

“Second, I was surprised at the realism the simulator provided,” he said. “While the graphics weren’t as realistic as current video games, it was still realistic enough to support the training goals.”

And third, Miscavage said, the civilians were able to go from individual training to team training and simulate a minor battle.

“I quickly realized these tactical trainers were a cost efficient tool available to small unit leaders to train their soldiers, crews and units before going to the field or ranges,” he said.

For electronics engineer Pratap Assar, Test Technology Directorate, the simulator experience was the first time he had engaged in simulation training during his 30-year career with OTC.

“Simulators save the Army millions of dollars,” he said. “The experience certainly benefitted me and will help me in my job of testing new equipment and systems.

“After the noncommissioned officer in charge instructed us on the roles of the tank commander and the gunner, we were able to find our targets and kill them,” he said.

“We had an 80 percent success rate, which, from an Army perspective, is not good enough.”

Assar said the experience gave him a good perspective on what soldiers go through on the battlefield and makes him even more determined to ensure warfighters get the best possible weapons as quickly as possible.

Chris Almaguer, electronics engineer with the technology directorate, agreed the professional development event was time well spent. “This was a good learning tool for us about the battlespace in a simulated environment,” he said. “It would be interesting to compare live versus simulated to understand the delta.”

Miscavage, Assar and Almaguer all said they hoped OTC leadership would continue to arrange professional development opportunities because of the invaluable information and experience to be gained.