I/ITSEC 2021: Bagira showcases Warrior Readiness Training Centre

A top view of the Nahal Brigade's WARTAC at Tel Arad. (Clockwise from bottom right): briefing/debriefing area, individual weapons training cubicles, running machines, control centre, flat-screen trainer, simulated apartment for room clearing, wrap-around immersive trainer. (Bagira Systems)

Israeli firm Bagira showcased the capabilities of its Bagira Weapons Infantry Skills Trainer (BIST) at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando in December.

The BIST is being fielded for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as the Warrior Readiness Training Centre (WARTAC), an upgrade of the existing Israeli Engagement Skills Trainer systems.

The BIST consists of a single building with facilities that simulate combat training in different virtual environments for up to platoon-level units to test and validate their weapon-handling skills, intra-unit co-ordination, and tactical awareness.

The virtual environment is based on Bagira's B-One infrastructure, creating commonality with other sites where it has been utilised by the IDF under the Digital Dust programme, such as joint fires, tactical, and observation training.

Trainees are equipped with Bagira's Magnet roundless small arms weapon system, which uses an electronics package and loudspeaker in a surrogate magazine, linked to a muzzle flasher and laser projector. This negates the need to use blank ammunition.

There are five training stations in the BIST, controlled from an operations centre, which can be tackled in rotation after an initial briefing. At each station, trainees log in using an electronic wristband so that their performance is recorded and assessed in real time, enabling detailed after-action reviews and debriefing. The trainee automatically receives instructions when entering each station.