The trainers are installed at a Guard unit's home facility. The trainers provide a 3-dimensional virtual representation of each of the M1A1, M2A2 and TOW II systems. Students can move around in the virtual environment, operate virtual controls, and manipulate simulated test equipment. The virtual environment responds to student actions just as the actual systems do. Students use the same procedures and simulated test equipment to diagnose failures in the training environment as they would for the actual equipment.
Immersion is provided using liquid crystal shutter eyewear.
In effect, the trainers provide a substitute for the actual equipment at a much reduced cost. A QuickTime VR rendition of the M1A2 turret interior is presented on an accompanying page. The trainers offer a complete course in trouble shooting, including the use of technical manuals, test equipment, and location and operation of equipment components. Students proceed through each of the training modules at their own pace. The trainers keep track of student progress through a series of graded written and practical tests.