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Recognition
training developed as the result of wartime ground and
air troops being unable to discern enemy combat
equipment, vehicles and aircraft from their own. Too
often, military personnel instigated friendly fire upon
allies causing a tremendous amount of unnecessary
fatalities due to failed recognition attempts. As early
as World War I (WWI), it quickly became clear that
processes needed to be implemented to assist with
identification in order to deter the loss of additional
human lives. One of the simplest and most cost effective
methods came from producing military scale models in
conjunction with formalized combat identification and
recognition training protocols.
Military history reveals that scale models and sandboxes
were utilized for education, training and wargaming
purposes to provide a mock terrain and applicable
tactics to gauge field maneuvers. These miniature
armadas played significant roles in the Roman Empire’s
territorial domination, as well as Napoleon’s campaigns
and invasions. Although scale models served more of a
strategic purpose prior to the 19th century, they have
been utilized to plan and execute some of the most
notorious battles around the globe. Successful invasions
forecasted enemy movement and troop displacement,
proving that scale model functionality was invaluable
for power-hungry dynasties.
Hard lessons were learned during WWI that revealed how
inadequately prepared military personnel were in their
ability to properly identify the enemy. Despite the
extensive use of trench warfare, industrial advancements
truly made this warfare segment about machines.
Unfortunately, correctly identifying the enemy was
limited by distance. Proximity posed a liability to
pilots who subjected themselves to attack when they
crossed into firing range to determine whether or not
other aircraft was one of their own. Ground gunners
faced similar challenges when searching the landscape or
skies.
At the time, combat vehicles and aircraft were painted
according to camouflage standards based on their
location and season. With equipment sharing similar
features and characteristics, recognition became even
more difficult.
Around WWI it was decided that studying the outline of
enemy military equipment would enable mission objectives
to be achieved with fewer casualties. Scale models were
introduced and personnel were trained to recognize the
three point-of-view relative the model’s outline,
head-on, side-on and planform. The progression of
grasping pertinent outline elements evolved into using
the silhouette as the standard for recognition training
efforts with scale models. Nearly every modern country
had their own identification manuals based on scale
model silhouettes by WWI’s end.
The progression of technology continued to transform
tactics used in battle throughout other wars, namely
World War II (WWII)
and post-World War II campaigns. According to Otis
Willie, Military News and Information Editor of The
American War Library, 21% of all causalities sustained
by US Military during WWII (both fatal and non-fatal)
were caused by friendly fire, in most cases due to
improper identification of enemy vehicles, aircraft and
equipment was. Percent of US Military casualties from
friendly fire was estimated at 18% during Korea War, 39%
during the Vietnam War and reached scary 49% during the
Gulf War. These heavy and tragic losses delayed counter
measures and greatly impacted financial costs associated
with the wars.
More recent wars, such as the Operation Iraqi Freedom
and war in Afghanistan, have both also encountered
numerous fratricides – friendly fire on friendly forces.
According to Countermeasure, Vol. 27, March 2006,
published by the Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort
Rucker, Alabama, as of 31 January 2006 in Operation
Iraqi Freedom the US Army has had 27 fratricides,
twenty-six of which were from direct fire. Above
statistics demonstrate that recognition training and
combat identification is relevant and important like
never before in a battle for reducing the number of war
casualties.
Differentiating between friend and foe defines
recognition and determining the type and modification of
equipment, vehicle and aircraft is known as
identification. Training aids, devices, simulators and
imagery work synergistically to permit armed forces to
recognize and identify, thus ensuring reductions in
potential fratricide outcomes.
Situational awareness, appropriate target identification
and digitized scale model utilization, are enabling
personnel to evaluate and analyze vehicles, aircraft and
equipment in multiple situations. Practicing a
combination bare-eye verification and observation
through targeting devices, is transforming how combat
identification challenges are overcome. Accurate
identification allows personnel to establish strategic
and safe positioning, as well as assembly of
intelligence on enemy movement.
Constructing scale models to supplement recognition and
identification training initiatives provides tangibility
to detailed replicas that can be studied and reviewed
(this literally translates into hands-on training).
Typically, military combat scale models are produced in
1:100 and 1:87 scales. However, aircraft can be
constructed in 1:72 and in rare instances a 1:35 build
can be used. The 1:35 is relatively large-scale, which
is making it cumbersome to transport, but it renders
intricate details that smaller scale models are unable
to achieve. This distinction may be vital for instances
where only a subtle difference exists in modifications
between vehicles and systems from the same class.
Click here to learn
more about Scale, Standard Scales and Scale selection.
Beyond individual scale models, entire scenic dioramas
can be created for advanced training protocols. Matching
scale models to standard scales unveils endless
possibilities to recreate realistic environments that
enhance the recognition and identification training
process. Replicating terrain to scale unveils potential
obstacles and opportunities that may go unnoticed or
overlooked.
Improvements in technology have somewhat altered
training and simulation techniques used for combat
identification and recognition training. Robust software
packages create 3D surroundings, digital models showcase
substantial features and interactive gaming simulates
heart-stopping combat training leaves little left to the
imagination. Considering the onslaught of technology
available, are scale model still relative? The answer is
an unequivocal yes!
- Something as timeless as a scale model cannot be replaced with software
and digital technology. They are essential training
tools, but they are unable to actualize a true sense and
solid concept of what enemy warfare machines and
aircraft actually are.
- Technology is expensive. Purchasing software licenses, anti-virus
protection, maintenance upgrades, service patches and
testing and troubleshooting glitches costs time and
money. Scale models are extremely cost-effective, energy
efficient and simple and affordable to reproduce.
Because scale models are unelaborate objects, they are
malfunction resistant. Replacing a broken scale model is
a quick fix.
- Acquiring technology for training is one thing, but operating it is
something entirely different. Not only are certain
computer skills required, but familiarity with the
digital interface needs to be developed. Conveniently,
scale models are simply replicas and what you see is
what you get. They don’t require a learning curve and
most importantly, they’re accessible for everyone.
Because of their size, scale models are compact and can
be moved or deployed in any condition to execute field
training sessions.
- Incorporating scale models into any environment, including angles and
lighting, is without limits. Software parameters
restrict users program options and integrating
additional combat conditions impact budgets.
Furthermore, as new enemy equipment is introduced on the
battlefield, software will scramble to integrate changes
and updates into existing technology programs.
- Conversely, scale models take less than 90-days for model designers to
manufacture additional scale models and for distribution
to training sets. These quick and cost effective turn-arounds
have the capability of disseminating vital information
to personnel and ultimately saving lives.
- Scale models are physical objects and are absolutely the closest
likeness to actual enemy equipment. Anatomically, scale
models can be viewed in the same manner as confirmed
enemy craft making recognition and identification
instantaneous.
Traditional scale models will continue to have a place
as long as there is a need for military combat
identification and recognition training. The advantages
of scale models compared to technology are evidently
displayed and provoke some careful consideration toward
the tools and instruments used in military training.
Scale models work to empower personnel with knowledge
and training needed to preserve lives and reach mission
critical objectives. |
