CERDEC expands Vigilant Pursuit soldier training
A US army research centre has been working on expanding training to improve quick-reaction intelligence capabilities, according to a US Army release on 27 January.
The research centre is the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Centre (CERDEC), which has expanded the training of soldiers on the Vigilant Pursuit multi-intelligence system. This system is designed to reduce the time it takes to properly identify and prosecute high-value targets.
Vigilant Pursuit combines human intelligence (HUMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities to provide soldiers with information necessary to identify persons of interest during missions. It uses cross-cueing and tipping to enable soldiers to make decisions that require time-sensitive responses.
Vigilant Pursuit operations include HUMINT and SIGINT collectors, analysts, linguists and maintainers.
For training purposes, these specialties are broken into two broader categories- operators and maintainers. Training for both maintainers and operators has expanded since training on Vigilant Pursuit's new equipment began in February 2012. Now, maintainers receive 15 days of training instead of eight. From the beginning, SIGINT and HUMINT operators were trained side by side to learn more about the information the other is seeking.
CERDEC's Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD) will continue to enhance and update training on Vigilant Pursuit by adding additional elements such as using role players capable of speaking other languages to expand linguists training. Courtney Bennett, CERDEC I2WD SIGINT/Quick Reaction Capability Branch said that the team is also looking to reduce the student to instructor ration to ensure each soldier received sufficient hands-on training.
Additional training will include expanded cross training, which has been very beneficial for the multi-function teams and improves with every training iteration.
More from Land Warfare
-
Malaysian defence update: Key programmes under spotlight at DSA 2024
The Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur from 6–9 March will feature updates on Malaysia’s defence programmes, including the signing of Batch 2 Littoral Mission Ships and procurement plans for medium lift helicopters.
-
Hensoldt to send more TRML-4D radars to Ukraine
The Hensoldt TRML-4D, an air-defence radar based on the maritime TRS-4D radar, has been designed to provide similar scanning and surveillance capabilities to forces on land.
-
Germany joins CAVS 6x6 AFV R&D programme
The Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme started in 2019 involving Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Sweden. Germany has now been joined in the research and development (R&D) phase.
-
Support and commitments continue for Ukraine
Billions of dollars and many tons of equipment have been sent to help Ukraine’s fight against Russia over the past two years with funds and material continuing to be committed as a frontline stalemate drags on.
-
Oshkosh unveils improved MTVR as 4x4 variant
Oshkosh has produced more than 10,000 6x6 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs) for the US Mariine Corps and US Navy ‘Seabees’ (US Naval Construction Battalions), which have been operating off-road missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world.
-
Franco-German next-generation tank project moves forward
The Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) programme was initiated in June 2018 when France and Germany signed a Letter of Intent to develop a common next-generation main battle tank (MBT) platform.