ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE, Kuwait -- Calm, collected and ready to walk into the unknown.
A defender is trained to be mentally prepared to handle almost any situation they might encounter. Continuous training and exposure to countless scenarios, with the help of technology, allows defenders to play through responses to see what works best in handling and deescalating situations.
Street Smarts Virtual Reality is a training platform that provides a three dimensional, fully immersive, simulated experience for defenders assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.
When utilizing the platform, defenders are placed in a three-dimensional digital environment, so detailed that they can look and move in any direction within a defined area of training space.
“I’m a fan of VR so I love this training,” said Staff Sgt. Dashawn Davis, 386th ESFS Counter small Unmanned Aerial Systems noncommission officer in charge. “This VR, versus our previous training simulator, gives a much better immersion into the training scenarios we’re placed in.”
The technology mimics real-world situations ranging from active shooter to traffic stops. Instructors using the workstation can manipulate scenario types, weapons and environments. This gives defenders the opportunity to through various options to deescalate situations.
“This form of training is important because defenders experience realistic stress in a safe environment,” said Brittany D. Daigre, 386th ESFS security trainer. “Using this technology we are able to test a defender’s response and reinforce their ability to use proper tactics, use of force, verbal commands and de-escalation techniques necessary for effective training.”
The system also allows the instructor to intervene with the subject’s behavior, pressuring the defender to choose whether to intensify or de-escalate a scenario.
“My favorite element of the VR system is the review mode capability. After a training scenario is complete, I can pause and replay scenarios from multiple vantage points, which allows us to analyze the defender’s decision making, accuracy and overall performance.” Daigre said. “As a trainer, this is a key component in providing effective feedback.”
Training and exposure to an endless amount of realistic scenarios, that require a variety of tactics, allows defenders to strengthen their skills, making their responses second nature when faced with situations.