U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Corey Beecher, assigned to the 103rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, uses a driving simulator April 4, 2023, at Bradley Air National Guard Base, Connecticut. The simulator is used to practice driving skills in various scenarios and military vehicles. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Emme Drummond)
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EAST GRANBY, Conn. – The Connecticut National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing at Bradley Air National Guard Base is using computer-generated imagery to enhance readiness.
In 2021, the wing used innovation funds to purchase a driving simulator. The simulator, used by members of multiple units in the 103rd, enables members to practice driving maneuvers in various military vehicles through different courses and scenarios. The simulator helps Airmen and Soldiers become more comfortable driving large vehicles, such as fuel trucks, which are common in many units across the Guard.
“You can simulate basically every vehicle we have on base, whether it’s a fuel truck, a box truck, and all different kinds of tractor-trailers,” said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Mungavin, distribution superintendent assigned to the 103rd Logistics Readiness Squadron.
The simulator can program 40 different vehicles with automatic and manual transmissions. The level of gears is also interchangeable depending on the vehicle. Users can practice on multiple driving courses, including a defensive driving course, nighttime and winter driving.
“I’ve noticed more things on the road. You’re actually paying more attention, believe it or not, so I think that is a huge benefit,” said Mungavin.
The versatility of the simulator helps support the Multi-capable Airman concept of training Airmen in skills outside their Air Force specialty. Bradley, the only base in New England to have this technology, enables neighboring units to conduct training using the simulator.
“There’s all these different units that could come and benefit from it,” said Mungavin. “So getting them prepared and driving, that is a huge help for people.”
Aside from teaching valuable road skills, the simulator optimizes instruction time, allowing instructors to train multiple people simultaneously. Previous training sessions only allowed a ratio of one instructor to one student.
“One person could just be in there on their own getting training while the trainers are actually driving with somebody else,” said Mungavin.
The simulator bolsters readiness for the many situations Connecticut National Guard members may face on base or in a deployed environment.