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Simulation saves lives

In recent years, the Corps has put a premium on pre-deployment training that looks and feels like combat.

Exposing Marines to the hysteria that can erupt in the wake of an improvised explosive attack, for example, helps train them to quickly cut through the confusion to establish defenses, treat casualties and target other threats.

You might say it builds combat muscle memory.

This logic prompted creation of the MOUT training facilities — short for Military Operations on Urban Terrain — that Marine units have used regularly since the current wars started. Two years ago, the Corps opened its first Infantry Immersion Trainer, at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

with Pashtu-speaking role-players, authentic explosions and myriad sights, sounds and smells common to the Afghan battlefield, this “hyper-realistic” training enables infantry Marines to test their skills in some dreadfully tense situations. It’s great experience for the grunts whose lives may one day depend on their ability keep cool in a chaotic situation.

The Corps’ capacity to provide this type of training has been limited, however, with fewer than 13,000 troops going through the Pendleton shoot house since 2007. To increase that number, the service is investing nearly $23 million to build two new and improved immersion trainers; one at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and another at Pendleton. They’re expected to open by 2011.

Ultimately, the Corps should build enough to send every deploying Marine through this training to build and refresh combat skills. Then, give commanders the time and resources to run their troops through. It might give them the battlefield edge that saves lives.