Earlier this week, the members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) and its Resource Panel, visited the Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC) this morning.
Chairman GPC-DFA, Mr Vikram Nair said that, "A facility like the MMRC is the first of its kind, and a good example of how the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) uses innovation and technology to train its soldiers in a safe and realistic environment, and build an operationally ready armed forces capable of defending Singapore."
The Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC) is a three-storey live-firing training hub which was developed by DSTA and the Headquarters 9th Division/Infantry of the Singapore Army and has been cited in many domains as an excellent example of how Singapore overcame the challenges of resource and space constraints with innovative solutions.
It leverages on advance technology to improve soldier shooting competencies and can also create different operational scenarios in the ranges to train soldiers at the individual, group and section level.
The MMRC features seven live-firing indoor ranges encompassing advanced simulation, acoustic sensing and range technologies to provide realistic scenario-based live-firing training.
It is at the forefront of training development and has crossed new boundaries, creating a paradigm shift in the way the SAF conducts its live-firing training.
In comparison, it eliminates the traditional process of range administration by outsourcing routine, non-core pre-range and post-range administration, logistical and maintenance functions.
It has enhanced the way the Singapore Army trains by providing it with the flexibility to train safely under different realistic scenarios and environments. It also increased the productivity and efficiency of the Army by allowing it to conduct 50% more training opportunities within the same time frame.
In addition, asides from the conventional targetry systems (e.g. the Portable Electronic Targetry System) which are deployed in other outdoor ranges, the live-firing systems in the MMRC consist of two new modules – the Video Targetry System (VTS) and the Single-Rail Moving Electronic Targetry System (METS).
In short, the VTS is a leading-edge computer-based marksmanship, tactical and judgemental live-firing targetry system comprising three main simulation subsystems.
It will allow soldiers to train beyond the basic marksmanship settings provided by traditional baffled ranges and allow them to conduct long distance marksmanship training, using computer generated imagery or customised videos to create an assortment of conditions realistically.
Next, the METS is co-invented by DSTA and unlike the conventional design it requires a shorter installation depth and only requires one motor to drive the single rail of targets which thus helps to efficiently utilise the already limited space.
To conclude, the operationalisation of the MMRC has brought about several benefits to the SAF and commercial entities. From which, will bringbetter optimisation of the allocation of resources as well as aligned vision in national development.
The MMRC has become a critical training facility of the Army and provides a positive and pleasant experience for our current generation of national servicemen by providing them with a safe yet challenging training environment and has also paved the way for future training infrastructure and systems development.
Image from Dr Maliki Osman's Facebook