Synthetic Training Environment Refinement & Prototyping

STE-Software (STE-SW) was previously referred to as STE-lnformation System (STE-IS). The Training Simulation Software/Training Management Tools (TSS/TMT) provides two of the three core functions for the Synthetic Training Environment - Software (STE-SW). TSS/TMT converges our current live, virtual, gaming and constructive environments to provide a single, unified training & management environment from Soldier/Squad to Army Service Component Command (ASCC). TSS/TMT provides the ability to train in a single or multiple live, virtual, gaming and constructive environment simultaneously. The Training Simulation Software (TSS), the core STE simulation engine, provides the physical and behavior models necessary to replicate the operational environment to enable collective training from Soldier/Squad through ASCC. The TSS provides entity, aggregate, and common services, as well as adjudicates interactions at the entity level (e.g., Computer-Generated Forces (CGF), and synthetic equipment). The Training Management Tool (TMT) enables units to quickly plan, prepare, execute, monitor, and assess collective training events for readiness. TMT provides an easy-to-use interface, combined with an Intelligent tutor to reduce help-desk support, time, and manpower currently required. TMT leverages training management (data) services and authoritative data sources to enable training on demand regardless of geographic location. In FY 2021, TSS/TMT entered the execution phase of the Software Acquisition Pathway. TSS/TMT facilitates rapid and iterative delivery of its capabilities through a Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps) process to support Soldier/Squad (Sq) to Brigade (BDE) level training which began fielding 3QFY2024. The STE-SW ICD was validated 1QFY2025 identifying the Army's guidance to accelerate the NGC capability requirement beginning in FY 2026 that TSS/TMT will support. Next Generation Constructive (NGC) provides the constructive training environment to sufficiently train large scale combat operations (LSCO) in multi-domain operations, to include, joint, land, air cyber, space, and maritime. NGC enables collective training to be conducted for Army Service Component Command (ASCC) and below, while increasing efficiency in planning, preparing, and executing training events.

The Synthetic Training Environment (STE) Live program develops live training systems in concert with the STE Abbreviated Capabilities Development Document (A-CDD). The STE Live program converges live training with the STE, providing units the necessary training components to accelerate and sustain combined arms maneuver proficiency in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The STE Live program focuses on the development of a next generation live training architecture that leverages innovative technologies and standards to enable the realistic exercise of unit combat weapons up to brigade level in Multi Domain Operation Environments. The challenge today is the Army cannot train as it fights since 40% of Brigade Combat Team (BCT) platforms weapons effects are currently not simulated by today's live training system, Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES). STE Live next generation systems will replicate the following new engagement types, improve sensory feedback, increase realism of direct fire engagement, increase realism of battle damage assessments, improve after action reviews and improve instrumentation at the Combat Training Centers and Home Stations: Indirect Fire, Counter-Defilade (M320, MK-19), Place Object (Mines), Thrown Objects (Grenades), Dropped Objects (Bombs), Guided Weapon (Missiles), Autonomous Weapon (Missiles, Smart Munitions), Direct Energy (laser), Radiant Energy (Sonic, Microwave), Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Plumes and Cyber. FY 2027 RDTE funds will continue to revolutionize Soldier Simulation and Training systems to include a Synthetic Training Environment focused on the Rifle Platoon Training System. Additionally, FY 2027 funding will advance the Combat Vehicle Training System products. The total cost of the STE-LTS MTA Rapid Prototyping (RP) effort is $232.0 million RDT&E from FY 2022 to FY 2026.

One World Terrain (OWT) supports the current National Security Strategy (NSS), National Defense Strategy, and National Military Strategy (NMS) as one of the Army's modernization efforts, and one of three core functions of the Synthetic Training Environment - Software (STE-SW). OWT provides a 3D global terrain capability and associated information services that support virtual replication of the physical Earth to reflect the complexities of the operational environment in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) for use in training. OWT enables leaders, Soldiers, and units to train in simulated complex operational environments across the globe replicating dense urban, woodland, jungle, desert, and subterranean areas before the first fight begins. OWT modernizes the Army's terrain generation capability by automatically processing raw geospatial data into a format that is editable and consumable by standard commercial tools and technologies. It provides the tools to incorporate approved geospatial information updates and local terrain surveys into the OWT foundational repository and will be used by the Synthetic Training Environment (STE) to represent terrain in a virtual environment. In FY 2021, OWT entered the Software Acquisition Pathway. As part of the STE family of programs, OWT provides rapid and iterative delivery of its capabilities to the Training Support System/Training Management Tool (TSS/TMT) for integration into the STE-SW that supports the Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT), Next Generation Constructive (NGC), and future STE training systems. FY 2027 OWT RDT&E funds will continue the development of capabilities that automatically process geospatial data into simulation ready 3D terrain for training use; provide geospatial data and models that are editable by standard commercial tools and technologies; and incorporate approved geospatial data updates and user? generated terrain captures into the OWT repository. FY 2027 RDTE funds will also address the OWT requirements codified in the STE-SW ICD, validated 1QFY2025, for One World Terrain (OWT) to accommodate the increased ingestion of terrain, common models, interoperability standards for the acceleration of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) core capability requirements to conduct Joint and Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), the ability to model MDO, and Core Services.

The Synthetic Training Environment-Software (STE-SW) and Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) requirements, directly support the Army Collective Training Environment - Initial Capabilities Document (ACTE-ICD) as the Army's cornerstone for replicating the Operational Environment (OE) during training events enabling the Army to train as it fights. Separate, but interoperable, RVCT systems are required for both air and ground collective training. The Air RVCT will represent the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserves fleet of rotary wing aircraft. The Ground RVCT will represent ground track and wheeled vehicles from the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. The RVCT is the Army's next generation Virtual Training System for conducting collective maneuver training, collective gunnery training, mission rehearsal, and pre-deployment training that will prepare units for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The RVCT includes aviation platforms (RVCT-A), ground platforms (RVCT-G), and dismounted infantry devices. The RVCT is transportable to the Point of Need (PoN) allowing units to train anywhere in the world. The RVCT will be enabled using the STE-SW, which provides a fully interactive, real time simulated battlefield. FY 2027 RDTE funds will provide new variant first article development, integration of lab assets and provide cybersecurity support for RVCT. The total cost of the STE-LTS MTA Rapid Prototyping (RP) effort is $232.0 million RDT&E from FY 2022 to FY 2026.