How Shooting Simulations Are Forging Battle Ready Soldiers

In 2005, the Givati Brigade introduced a simulation program to assist soldiers in advancing their technique through an intensive three-week course. The training is divided into three stations, where soldiers undergo simulated shooting exercises, including firing within a replicated terror hub and at a virtual shooting range.

Each simulation runs by a point system. It registers the soldiers, tracks their activity, and records their results using bracelets encoded with their personal data. At the end, it integrates the results into one centralized system that commanders can analyze and build feedback from.

The soldiers begin each exercise with a detailed briefing from the simulator commander, Second Lieutenant N.H. as they are evaluated throughout the simulation by both him and the simulator instructor, and given a final overview.

Room A

Each soldier practices shooting moving and stationary targets on a screen, using real guns that have been altered specifically for the simulation. The guns are modified, and the magazines are loaded with pressured air. When the trigger is pulled, it produces the same recoil as firing a real bullet. A laser mounted on the barrel projects a targeting beam, and each successful hit is recorded. At the end of the session, the soldier receives a score.

Officer in Room A shooting targets on screen

Room B

The soldiers are met with a shooting range. “It's practicing in an air-conditioned room as opposed to the heat outside, so it really helps them focus on defining their skills,” said Second Lieutenant N. In this simulation, they can analyze live data of each soldier's shooting skills, where the gun was pointed at each stage of the firing, how much pressure was applied to the trigger, and the speed at which the gun was reloaded. They receive feedback throughout the exercises, and have an overview at the end depending on their results.

Soldiers in Room B - The Shooting Range

Room C - The Panther

The Panther is made up of two subsystems, one simulating urban warfare, and the second a 180-degree panoramic screen where the soldiers practice finding targets that appear quickly, and from different angles. The screen trains the soldier’s peripheral vision and spatial awareness.

The urban section appears as a realistic apartment, with Hamas propaganda and photos of multiple Islamic Jihadist leaders. “The first time I found myself in Gaza, it brought me straight back to my training in this very simulation,” recalled Second Lieutenant N.

Hamas propaganda in Room C - The Panther

Soldiers are required to enter and clear the apartment cautiously, locating targets while protecting themselves and their team under attack. This scenario is replicated using holograms of terrorists opening fire, prompting the soldiers to organize into the safest formation.

GoPro footage of soldiers running a simulation in Room C - The Panther

The training goes beyond visual realism, there are thermal sensors which can show how exposed the soldier was to the hologram, or at the moment they entered a specific room, teaching them how exactly to position themselves in real time.

“The advantage of the simulation is that I know I can fight and exhibit all my capabilities, without actually putting anyone in harm's way,” said Sergeant A. “It has real combat scenarios, just without the pressure of physical violence.”

Soldiers running a simulation in Room C - The Panther

Here, the Givati soldiers can truly advance their combat skills, focusing solely on technique. “Nothing will prepare you for the real thing,” stated Lieutenant N, “here is where we gain the confidence in our capabilities to operate in active missions.”

Performance Results

Second Lieutenant N.H, commander of the simulation, explains the Performance Results system, and how it is used to evaluate and critique the soldiers. “We can see whose scores are a result of hard work and practice, and who needs a good wake up call.”

Soldiers assessing their Performance Results

At the end of a full training cycle, he presents the soldiers’ results from the simulation course to the battalion commander. They gain an understanding of their soldiers’ level and where there is still room for improvement. “This is how we know how to move forward with our soldiers, and what to do differently for the next cycle. We are always trying to be better,” said Second Lieutenant N.H.

Ultimately, the commanders are learning for themselves, and also for their soldiers. In honing in on their skills, they are preparing themselves to continue to fight, and also ensure they can teach their soldiers how to be the best of the best.

Almost two years into the war, the Givati Brigade hasn’t lost motivation, and have only become stronger in battle. They believe in consolidating power, perfecting their techniques, and most importantly knowing how to best protect our civilians and defend our country.