Our Approach

The DSB suggested in its January 2001 “Training Superiority & Training Surprise” brief that units engage in high fidelity training with independent OPFOR.  They go on to say that units should conduct combined skills training with reality which would include tired crews, bad weather, night, material casualties, independent active targets, etc.  The more real the training, the better prepared the military will be.

 

Challenges in today's training methodologies are varied.  The most common issue units report is they lack "live fire" realism.  Limited scenarios and situations, inflexible dynamics, one dimensional feedback are also chief concerns expressed.

BLACK RIVER's Answer to Today's Training Challenges >>

Traditional training equipment has its challenges.  Technologies like MILES gear are limited in their application- cumbersome sensor equipment, inability to penetrate minor concealment, and the promotion of the "Rambo-factor" all contribute to the negative training experience associated with MILES.

SIMUNITIONS are another avenue some units are using.  The advantage of simunitions is the use of the service weapon.  It is also very accurate with smaller weapons.  These advantages, however,  are overshadowed by the high cost required to modify the service weapon to accept a simunition round.  The ammunition itself is also very expensive and thus, limits the amount any unit can purchase to participate.  Safety is another key element in the use of simunitions.  There are numerous reports of soldier and/or agent injury with its use.  These drawbacks far outweigh any advantage seen in this system.

BLACK RIVER employs advanced equipment and solutions for training.  These solutions are rooted in the latest in paintball equipment and safety gear.  Paintball in training is already in use by Special Operation Forces and the US Marine Corp.  These elements understand that paintball offers a cost effective solution for training that makes a distinct sound, cannot be "faked", makes the soldiers and agents react, and provides a level of realism and dynamic that cannot be matched with any other training methodology.

	Pros	Cons
PAINTBALL	•Cost effective •Makes a distinct sound •Cannot be “faked” •Soldiers react to paintball hits •Already in use by Special Operation Forces and the Marine Corps	•Shorter range compared to Service weapon •Participants do not use service weapon •Viewed as “playing”
SIMUNITION	•Use of service weapon •Very accurate w/smaller weapons	•Expensive as it requires modification of equipment •Potentially dangerous •Requires special equipment •Not accurate with medium range service weapon
MILES SYSTEM	•Already in use •Use of service weapon •Longer range	•Not very realistic •Promotes “Rambo” factor •Cannot penetrate minor concealment •Have to wear sensor gear