At first glance, it could be construed to be the ultimate video game - multiple screens, masses of state-of-the-art computer hardware and software and life-size action simulators.
But entertainment was not what the operators of the Close Combat Tactical Training Center, which made a stop at the Pennsylvania National Guard Armory in Ligonier this past weekend, had in mind.
The multimillion-dollar training center, which is housed in four tractor-trailer vans, travels all-around the country to be used by soldiers training in armored warfare.
This weekend, three 16-man platoons of tank soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 103rd Armor, based in Ligonier, got the opportunity to sit in simulators that were identical to the Company's M1-A1, 60 ton tanks, without ever having to rev up their engines.
While in one of the four simulators the platoons divided up and the tank commander, driver, loader and gunner performed their duties just as though they were out in the field tracking down enemy positions.
All their movements were directed and tracked through the use of specialized computer software that reflects the actual terrain at Fort Irwin National Training Center in California.
Then, following the exercise, the groups underwent after-action reviews to discuss ways to improve their performance.
"It was some of the best training we've ever done," said Staff Sgt. Mark Kubicek of Laughlintown. "We were able to work out a lot of the bugs that come from not being able to operate the tanks every day."
Company Commander 1st Lt. Lyle Gardner was equally impressed with the training facility.
"It's as though we're in a tank in an actual combat situation," said Gardner. "We can even look at it from the enemy's point of view to critique our formations. ... It enhances our survivability."
The training is conducted by operations manager Mike Elieff and his staff, all of whom work for Department of Defense contractors, Dyncorp or Pulau Electronics. Dyncorp, based in California, develops the software for the training, while Pulau, based in Florida, develops the hardware. Lockheed-Martin built the system.
Elieff said this is only the second time the CCTT has been used to train a National Guard unit.
"It normally is used to train enhanced brigades, those that are used to fill out combat units or who can form their own units," Elieff said. "This is as close to being in combat as it comes without firing a real gun."
While this weekend's platoon level training was impressive, next weekend a similar training facility, made up of another five trailers, will be brought into Ligonier for battalion level training.
That facility specializes in training crews of Bradley fighting vehicles, and the exercises will be conducted for commanders from all of the 1st Battalion's four companies - the Headquarters Company in Johnstown, Company A in Ligonier, Company B from Connellsville and Company C based in Friedens, Somerset County.
Members of the National Guard invite interested high school juniors and seniors or recent graduates to tour the training facility between noon and 1 p.m. next Saturday at the Ligonier Armory.
The tank division is limited to males because it is a ground-combat unit. Those interested in the tour may call Sgt. Russ Corey at 724-520-3217 to register and for more information.
"This really is training for the 21st century," Elieff said.
