Use of Simunition in CPP Training

Since the first official Close Personal Protection Course was conducted at the Defence Police Training Centre (then known as MP School) in 1995, the course has continued to evolve and is now acknowledged as the best course of it's kind run in this country. Lessons learnt on Operations, and the input from Operators who have undertaken other courses within Australia, the UK and the US has ensured that the most relevant, tactically sound, tried and tested procedures are taught. However, one aspect of the course that has not progressed is the use of Simunition. In fact, due to restraints imposed by Training Command regarding the use of Simunition over the past number of years, it could be argued that Reaction to Attack (RTA) scenario training has been significantly effected, certainly at the Operator level.

For the uninitiated, Simunition is non-lethal and utilises a water soluble, detergent based inert coloured compound to replace the projectile found in standard ammunition. The aim of Simunition is to provide the realism in training that cannot be achieved on a live firing range or using blank ammunition. It does this introducing a pain penalty and marking penalty. By utilising Simunition in scenario training, it enables the Operator to apply the marksmanship principles developed with live ammunition on the range and apply them under stress in a realistic environment.

As a training tool for RTA drills, noting else comes close to Simunition. Quite simply, the paint doesn't lie. Previously, utilising blank ammunition, an observer could make comment to an Operator that he hadn't carried out the RTA drill effectively, but without proof. From an Operator perspective, nothing screams reality louder than the tell-tale splatter of paint on our “Principal” if we have failed to carry out a correct drill or provide appropriate body cover. That said, there is nothing more exhilarating from an Operator perspective than a successful response to a RTA and the tell-tale splatter of paint on the terrorist. Again, the paint doesn't lie.

From a command perspective, it is imperative that we provide our Operator's with the best possible training. Studies have proven that Simunition training has a marked increase on an Operator's judgemental ability under stress and provides an increased number of options in how to control an environment. It should also be noted that by failing to provide the appropriate level of training, as an organisation, we could be held accountable. This was made apparent in the case of Workcover Authority of NSW V the Crown in 1995, after two officers were killed in the line of duty. In the findings, the court found the crown liable as it “failed to provide training, to wit, the content of which addressed in a practical way the tactics to be employed in high risk situations”.

In conclusion, Simunition is tried and tested. There is simply no other product, or alternative training method, that comes close to the realism of Simunition training. It is essential that Commanders and Operators at all levels promote the safe and controlled usage of this product. The endstate will be an Operator that has the skills, ability, and knows within himself that he has the upper hand in dealing with any situation.