For the first time in Cadet Summer Training history, cadets trained with the Army's virtual Call for Fire computer simulator within a field environment. CST provides the opportunity to call for and adjust live indirect fire rounds from various indirect fire platforms. However, before they call for live rounds, cadets are spending time in a fully immersive call for fire simulator.
This system is the same one used by Soldiers in the force to train and certify forward observers. Sgt. 1st Class Cesilio Martinez and Captain Ryan Scott, both instructors in DMI, installed the simulator in an existing range building, but added to the realism by equipping the room with features of an actual observation post—camouflage netting, sand bags and bunkers, which provide the feel of a real observation post overlooking a target area. "The Call for Fire trainer gave the cadets a hands-on first-person experience with Soldier tasks related to field artillery," Class of 2019 Cadet Rachel Dodaro, 3rd platoon leader, said. The simulator itself consists of computers that replicate every indirect fire and air-delivered asset owned by the Department of Defense. Realistic details such as weather, environmental conditions and other tactical considerations are reproduced and projected onto a six-foot screen displaying the tactical environment. The simulator was designed according to a cognitive task analysis of the call for fire procedures, and provides cadets with real-time performance feedback based on the call for artillery fire standards. Read More