From that perspective, with the active or former service member in mind as their target group, it would seem, to me at least, that the model makers would just offer an AM kit instead of casting/molding a whole new full on kit release, then they could focus their attention on producing kits of the VIZMOD vehicles based on the M551 Sheridan and M2/3 Bradleys. Just my opinion mind you but looking at things from the cost factor invested in tooling for injection molded kits it doesn’t strike me as cost effective to take the route they’ve chosen.
Basically, that is what they are doing. They already have the basic M2A4 kit and are throwing in the 3D printed conversion/additional CVTESS parts. It is not a new-tooled kit. It sounds like a pretty cost-effective method to me.
For the second time in as many days the photo below has become useful. Not surprisingly by the same company. I could get more excited about their releases if they weren’t basing these “new” kits on a sound platform, but as I’ve shwn in the past, other than offering parts for the A4, this kit is a regression in many aspects, including missing some vital parts. I’d just as soon give my leftover A4 parts to someone so they could use them on a Meng kit.
For whom? Certainly not the modeler. Forcing them to purchase an entire $70 kit for a few bucks worth of parts? The CCP has certainly grasped capitalism well.
Then you are indeed lucky. I was an OC/T at some pretty large exercises at Hood, Carson, Hunter Ligget - never saw it. In fact, the only reason I’m aware of its existence is that we touched on it briefly in the Digital Master Gunner Course in 2019 at Fort Carson. Like MILES, the warning light can only be turned off by an OC/T if you’re caught trying to cheat the system. Unfortunately in 2019 it had not yet seen widespread use, making any photos you might have taken while you there the Holy Grail to any modeler wanting to depict it.
Because of how the firing mechanism is wired in to the the vehicles gunnery systems, this version can only be integrated into Abrams, Bradleys and their variants.
I am genuinely surprised that you (US Mil) have not had an in depth system like TES before now. TES is a fantastic tool and gives the ability for excellent debriefs showing real battle time, movement, firing sequences/misses, exact locations … and it also shows who the good Veh Comds are with tactics and how they operate. _ However, its not so good when it tells you on a battle group debrief that your wagon caused the blue on blue that destroyed the C.O’s wagon lol
We’ve had a fully integrated system like that at the NTC since the early 1980s. I forget the official name for it, we just called it “Star Wars”. Computer readouts, maps, video, all kinds of stuff was included at the higher level debrief for the commanders.
Ken
The latest, called CPOF, (Command Post of the Future) was also taught at Digital Master Gunner. It incorporated features of some older systems such as Falconview and SOMPE(G), and could be (should be) utilized with FBCB2. Unfortunately, every time I observed a unit, I found that it either wasn’t being used, or that a young enlisted person was tasked with learning it on the fly. Often they did very well, but not as well as they could have. In my AAR I always reminded the commander that they could send soldiers to a CPOF class (Separate from Digital Master Gunner) free of charge at Fort Carson, in the same building. I know of at least two cases where they followed up on it. The problem with all of our technology is, even if commanders are aware of it, few utilize it to its full potential. I suspect the same here. Still hoping for some photos.
No pics of CVTESS in use, other than any from the net. I just meant I wanted to do a scene of a current Brad in training using the latest MILES-like system.
Star Wars was/is a very effective system. I spent many rotations as both a player and O/C using it. CVTESS is integrated into it as most vehicles still use the earlier parts of the system, MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System). It could paint a really good digital picture of what was happening and could be run back like an animation to show the troops exactly how the battle progressed and who shot who. We used it extensively for AARs.
I did an OPFOR tour in 1986. I’d love to have been an O/C in one of the teams, but I transitioned to a nuclear career and didn’t look for Title 10 funds to get me through a useful assignment for the Army.
It’s a shame you didn’ t do a stint. I’m sure you would have found it quite rewarding. These days they’re called OC/Ts. It’s not so much the observing, although that’s important. I used to tell people I trained that Jerry Seinfeld can make an observation. So, how about that airplane food, huh?
Because I really have been there and done that, I can say it was among my most rewarding time spent.
It’s the coaching and training I enjoy. Especially when you can take a young lieutenant, and after spending an hour with him, watch him give a perfect Convoy Mission Brief. (the Asian gentleman)
The best part was the next day when he was going to give it again. I said, "You know how to do it already, sir. Let’s have your E-6. And he did. And finally down to the newest SP4, who actually built a sand table. I think it moved! (The LTC I worked with as much as said so, albeit in much cruder terms, in front of several females. But he was a Ranger so I have to cut him some slack.)
Said Specialist (on right) briefing lieutenant)
I mentioned above that CPOF is usually assigned to a guy to learn on the fly. Often the components have never been removed from their cases. The above mentioned Specialist did a stellar job, mostly on his own time. There’s often a bit of mistrust among officers for their lower enlisted troops, (seen it on this site) but this guy had great officers and did a great job. And when a soldier gets something like this certificate from a Ranger and an SF dude, you can bet they cherish it. I believe we coined him and the LT as well.
One of the best units it was ever my honor to work with.
And their SMG builds 1/48 aircraft!
My favorite trick during a rotation was pulling out my KIA card and telling XO (or whomever) “I had it; you got it”.
You’re absolutely right about being an OC/T: coaching is the essence of leadership: providing our soldiers tools and skills, along with feedback. And better, giving them ownership of their feedback UP (sic) to us. “Well sir, ……!” It’s called mutual respect.
Great stories; the SF always seem good at these because this is your bread and butter.
Ah. Found the SGM - on the left standing next to his 1SG. Both great dudes. Great leadership = great unit. At any rate, the SGM builds 1/48 jets - and damned nice ones. West coast guys might run into him at contests.
