Synthetic Training Environment (STE)

The Synthetic Training Environment (STE) program is a key component of the Army's modernization priorities, designed to transform how soldiers, leaders, and units train for complex operational environments. The overarching goal of STE is to provide a holistic, collective training capability that integrates live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) domains. This enables commanders to optimize resources and time to build more lethal and cohesive teams.

STE supports training from the squad to brigade level, focusing on tough, realistic scenarios that enhance proficiency before live operations. This approach is intended to improve soldier lethality and survivability.

The STE program is comprised of five main signature efforts: STE-Software (STE-SW), Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainers (RVCT), Squad Immersive Virtual Trainer (SiVT), STE Live, and Soldier Virtual Trainer (SVT). Each effort addresses specific training needs and leverages advanced technologies and acquisition pathways, including the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) and the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) pathway.

STE is fielded at various locations, including home stations, combat training centers, armories, institutions, shipboard, and deployed environments. This ensures accessibility at the point of need.

The STE Live Training System supports procurement of force-on-force engagement types, production of STE Live Increment 1 products, and contractor logistics support. This enables integration and fielding at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and National Training Center (NTC). The system focuses on multiple engagement types, such as direct fire, cyber, and autonomous weapons, as well as instrumentation enablers like sensors and networks. Soldiers can train in highly realistic scenarios against human opposing forces. The program also supports digital engineering and software modernization strategies to promote synergies between training and testing enablers.

The STE-Soldier Virtual Trainer is designed to procure initial Weapon Skills Development (WSD) capabilities at multiple sites. SVT aims to replace legacy marksmanship and engagement skills trainers, providing advanced simulation for weapons handling and joint fires training. The program utilizes commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions and supports both contractor and government management to ensure effective deployment and support.

The STE-Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) supports procurement and fielding at additional locations. RVCT includes devices such as Instructor Operation Stations, ground vehicle kits, air cockpit kits, unmanned aerial system ground control stations, and laptops for dismounted soldiers. This enables collective training using real-time, interactive battlefield simulations and supports interim contract support and digital modernization strategies.

The STE One World Terrain (OWT) effort focuses on procuring new terrain data, supporting Next Generation Constructive (NGC) development, and refreshing hardware for processing and storage. OWT provides high-resolution commercial terrain data with government purpose rights, ensuring fidelity and integration into large-scale simulation environments. The program supports dynamic source data libraries, capability improvements, and hardware refreshes to maintain system performance and compatibility.

The STE Information Systems (TSS/TMT) effort supports procurement of STE-SW systems, software licenses, and associated fielding activities at multiple locations. Funding also provides post-deployment software support for updates, patches, modifications, and help desk support. Additionally, TSS/TMT supports operational terrain data and test support for NGC, aligning with Army digital engineering and modernization strategies. The program is transitioning to new competitive Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) to sustain and expand capabilities beyond the current fiscal year.