Since the 1980s the Army has used the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) to help train soldiers for combat. The system uses laser affixed to the barrels of individual weapons while each soldier wears laster sensors to detect if they are "hit" during an engagement, resulting in a loud pinging sound from the sensor vest. However, the system has numerous limitations.
One of the big draw backs to MILES gear was that it did not properly simulate fire and blasts from all of the weapons that Infantrymen carry into combat. Examples include grenades, mines, indirect fire, and surface to air missiles. Many of these weapons had to be simulated in the field during training, and the opposing force probably would have no idea that they were "killed" during the training.
While the MILES system is soon due for replacement, other technologies are filling in the void by replicating the additional weapons systems. The Army calls it the Live Training System.
"The system, which is in Increment 1, currently comprises four pioneering components — grenades, claymores, mortars and Stingers — and aims to redefine the live training environment," an Army press release states.
With the Live Training System, grenades, claymore mines, Stinger surface to air missiles, and mortars will be (hopefully) seamlessly integrated into force on force training in the Army.
"Being on the receiving end of indirect fire is a brutal event that is not easily replicated, and we must do that to show the seriousness of what that can do," explained Brig. Gen. William Glaser who is the director of the Synthetic Training Environment Cross-Functional Team.