Non-System Training Devices - Eng Dev

The Non-System Training Devices - Engineering Development (PE 0604715A) program is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) line item managed by the U.S. Army under Budget Activity 5: System Development & Demonstration. Its primary goal is to develop and modernize training devices and simulations that are not tied to a single weapon system, but instead support force-on-force and force-on-target training across multiple platforms at Combat Training Centers (CTCs), home stations, and deployed locations worldwide. These devices are essential for enhancing Army readiness and combat effectiveness by providing realistic training environments that closely replicate operational conditions.

Common Training Instrumentation Architecture (CTIA) serves as the foundational architecture for the Army's Live Training Transformation Family of Training Systems (LT2-FTS). CTIA's objectives include developing interoperable software, standards, and protocols that enable integration across live, virtual, and constructive training systems. Planned efforts support high-priority backlog items, such as decoupling service dependencies, updating mapping standards to MIL-STD-2525D, and integrating Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) to assist range support personnel. These initiatives align with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Digital Engineering and Army Digital Transformation strategies, promoting efficient development and cybersecurity.

Combat Training Center Instrumentation System (CTC-IS) funds the continued development and integration of advanced instrumentation at the National Training Center (NTC), Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), and Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC). The system's objectives are to integrate new warfighting capabilities, such as the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) radio, and to support high-fidelity training rotations for Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) and joint partners. Efforts focus on integrating ITN radio and establishing enterprise-level business processes to ensure secure and efficient operations in line with Army modernization priorities.

Instrumentable-Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (I-MILES) is designed to provide realistic, real-time casualty effects for tactical engagement training. The program's objectives include service life extension for Shoulder Launch Munitions (SLM) components and integration of new vehicle and dismount weapon systems to meet Common Operating Environment (COE) requirements. These upgrades support the Army's Soldier Lethality modernization priority and ensure continued relevance and supportability of I-MILES across training environments.

Future Army System of Integrated Targets (FASIT) aims to enhance live-fire training realism through the development of advanced human-type targets, non-contact area scoring technology, and combat identification capabilities. Planned efforts support maturation of prototype systems for combat identification, enabling aviation platforms to use thermal and radar detection for threat identification during training. FASIT also focuses on finalizing advanced human-type targets that provide realistic feedback and automated reset capabilities, contributing to cost-effective and high-fidelity training.

Pacific Multi-Domain Training & Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) and related initiatives, such as USARJ Cyberspace Integration, Combined Joint System Integration Laboratory (CJSIL) Nodes, and USARPAC Low-Cost Threat Emitter (LCTE), are designed to support joint, combined, and coalition training in contested environments. These programs enable realistic rehearsal against peer adversary capabilities, integrate cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum effects into training, and provide modular data centers and threat emitter prototypes for high-fidelity operational scenarios. Ongoing efforts continue expansion and integration of these capabilities, supporting the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and Army experimentation objectives.

Opposing Forces Mechanized Vehicle Replacement (OMVR) focuses on developing modular visual modifications (VISMODs) for common Army tracked platforms to replicate peer-threat mechanized vehicles. Objectives include design, development, and integration of additional VISMOD variants, with soldier touchpoints and prototype integration testing. This effort ensures that Opposing Force (OPFOR) units have safe, sustainable systems for realistic training and intelligence support.