At the 2018 Sea Air Space expo, April 9th – 11th 2018, the Marine Corps Systems Command showcased their latest version of the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer.

The Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer III now has wireless connectivity for three more of the Marine Corps’ weapons: the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, M32A1 Multi-Shot Grenade Launcher and M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon. The M9 pistol and the M4 carbine are already integrated into the training system. Earlier versions also incorporated capability to train with the M240 medium machine gun, MK19 automatic grenade launcher, and M2 heavy machine gun.

A recent Marine Corps Systems Command press release explained that: “ISMT helps to build fundamentals of muscle memory for Marines so that when they hit the range, they are ready to respond to real-life scenarios.”

Master Sgt. Jorge Carrillo, staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge at Marksmanship Training Battalion aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, fires an M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon (USMC/Ashley Calingo)

The Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer evolved from the earlier Firearms Training Simulator adopted in the 1990s. The latest version of the advanced simulator adds 3-D imagery capability and enhanced training modes aimed at giving Marines a more realistic training experience, helping to prepare them for qualification courses and improve Marine marksmanship.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Matthew Harris explained one of the new versions improvements:

Before, if Marines used the optic inside the ISMT, they could see all of the pixilation because the optic would magnify what’s on the ISMT screen. ISMT III incorporates a diffuser, allowing Marines to use the optic inside the simulation without the blurry pixilation of the screen

Marine Corps Systems Command also showcased Target Handoff System Version 2, a  system that enables Marines to “locate targets, pinpoint global positioning coordinates and call for close air, artillery and naval fire support using secure digital communications.” They also showcased their additive manufacturing program initiative, using 3D printing to quickly repair and replace  weapon, vehicle and equipment parts.

Sources:

‘Marine Corps’ next-generation virtual marksmanship trainers hit the fleet’, MARCORSYSCOM, retrieved 12/04/18, from source

‘Marine Corps Systems Command to showcase tech, innovation at Sea Air Space’, MARCORSYSCOM, retrieved 12/04/18, from source