Poor storage causes failures

August 01, 2002

THE proper storage and handling of live simulation systems equipment has been identified as falling below standard, occasionally resulting in its failure.

Simulation Systems Assistant Project Manager WO1 Jon Westerland recently wrote an article for the maintenance publication Diggers Mait, in which he listed several of the most common problems with the Tactical Engagement Simulation System (TESS), Land Mine Engagement Simulation System (LMESS), Combat Vehicle Engagement Simulation System (CVTESS) and Mounted Tactical Engagement Simulation System (MTESS).

WO1 Westerland said the majority of problems with the failure in the simulations systems, which were designed to simulate the effects of direct fire and land mines on the battlefield, could be traced back to simple usage and storage errors.

"Most of the current problems can be attributed to well-intentioned users being unfamiliar with the equipment and the technology," he said.

Although WO1 Westerland said the equipment had caused many problems for some users, it was leading-edge technology in its area.

"I should acknowledge that these systems have pushed technological boundaries and there were some early gaps between user expectations and the capabilities of technology to meet these expectations.

"Proper use of this equipment very quickly reinforces the importance of selecting good fire positions, applying correct drills and controlling fire.

"I wish this gear was around 20 years ago when I was participating in boring, unrealistic infantry minor tactics exercises."

WO1 Westerland said that Simulations Systems Group have identified that the manuals supplied with the equipment CES were particularly non-user-friendly.

"It is our intention to rewrite the manuals in a more usable format with emphasis on rectifying any poor practices."

"Most of the problems will disappear as users become more familiar and comfortable with the system."

The TESS Integrated Logistic Support Instruction, ALI MM 12-21 has been published, distributed and is expected to be on the DEFWEB sometime in August.

The re-written manuals, which will be available in both hard copy and via the web, are not yet ready to be released.

By Pte Tezza McQuillan




	Poor storage causes failures Simulation systems maintenance problems August 01, 2002 THE proper storage and handling of live simulation systems equipment has been identified as falling below standard, occasionally resulting in its failure. Simulation Systems Assistant Project Manager WO1 Jon Westerland recently wrote an article for the maintenance publication Diggers Mait, in which he listed several of the most common problems with the Tactical Engagement Simulation System (TESS), Land Mine Engagement Simulation System (LMESS), Combat Vehicle Engagement Simulation System (CVTESS) and Mounted Tactical Engagement Simulation System (MTESS). WO1 Westerland said the majority of problems with the failure in the simulations systems, which were designed to simulate the effects of direct fire and land mines on the battlefield, could be traced back to simple usage and storage errors. "Most of the current problems can be attributed to well-intentioned users being unfamiliar with the equipment and the technology," he said. Although WO1 Westerland said the equipment had caused many problems for some users, it was leading-edge technology in its area. "I should acknowledge that these systems have pushed technological boundaries and there were some early gaps between user expectations and the capabilities of technology to meet these expectations. "Proper use of this equipment very quickly reinforces the importance of selecting good fire positions, applying correct drills and controlling fire. "I wish this gear was around 20 years ago when I was participating in boring, unrealistic infantry minor tactics exercises." WO1 Westerland said that Simulations Systems Group have identified that the manuals supplied with the equipment CES were particularly non-user-friendly. "It is our intention to rewrite the manuals in a more usable format with emphasis on rectifying any poor practices." "Most of the problems will disappear as users become more familiar and comfortable with the system." The TESS Integrated Logistic Support Instruction, ALI MM 12-21 has been published, distributed and is expected to be on the DEFWEB sometime in August. The re-written manuals, which will be available in both hard copy and via the web, are not yet ready to be released. By Pte Tezza McQuillan