OSHKOSH, Wis. -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, has expanded its military training capabilities with the new Oshkosh Virtual Trainer.

This virtual training element makes the overall vehicle training program safer and more cost-effective. Oshkosh will unveil its first virtual training module for the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) M978 Tanker at the annual Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) Nov. 28–Dec. 1 in Orlando, Fla.

“In today’s traditional HEMTT Tanker training curriculum, soldiers receive a limited amount of hands-on experience for critical procedures such as fueling and refueling,” said Dan Albrecht, senior training manager for Oshkosh Defense. “The Oshkosh Virtual Trainer provides life-like training in a safe, virtual environment, which provides soldiers with the skills they need to perform the actual tasks. In addition to enhancing soldiers’ training experience, we estimate that adding a virtual element to our comprehensive program will reduce training costs by 20 percent or more per participant.”

In a recent pilot of the inaugural Oshkosh Virtual Trainer, the HEMTT Tanker module was shown to reduce training time by two days compared to the traditional classroom approach – an efficiency that equates to a 20 percent or more cost savings per participant. During the training, 12 students were able to train simultaneously and demonstrate skill proficiency in the virtual environment before performing tasks on the actual vehicle. For example, students are able to practice fueling and refueling procedures, and recovering from a fuel spill in the virtual world, without being exposed to the real-life hazards. The interactive skill-building using virtual training is not achieved in the traditional training courses where students learn primarily from static course materials and instructor demonstrations.

In addition to reducing direct training expenses, the Oshkosh Virtual Trainer helps prevent wear and tear on the U.S. government’s demonstration vehicles and reduce costly damage to these vehicles.

The Oshkosh Virtual Trainer HEMTT Tanker module will be incorporated into training courses for U.S. Army personnel in May.

“We are excited to introduce our new virtual training capabilities to soldiers in May, and look forward to expanding the program to include more vehicle modules in the future,” Albrecht said.

In addition to its new virtual-training capability, Oshkosh Defense also provides hands-on, classroom and simulation training for operators and mechanics as part of its full life-cycle services and support on all Oshkosh Heavy and Medium Tactical Wheeled Vehicles. The company received a Best Programs (red) ribbon award from Military Training Technology for the 2011 Top Simulation and Training Companies competition.

The HEMTT Tanker Virtual Task Trainer will be on display and Oshkosh representatives will be available at I/ITSEC at DiSTI booth #2481.