Multiple integrated laser engagement system facts for kids

The Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, or MILES, is a special training system. It is used by the U.S. military and other armies around the world. MILES helps soldiers practice for real battles. It uses lasers and blank cartridges to make training feel like the real thing.

Soldiers wear small laser sensors all over their bodies. These sensors detect when a laser from another weapon hits them. Each laser transmitter is set to act like a real weapon. This means it has the same effective range. When a soldier is "hit," a medic can use a digital screen to see what kind of injury happened. This helps them practice first aid.

Many different versions of MILES systems are used by armies worldwide. These systems can have different features. But generally, all modern MILES systems send information about the shooter, their weapon, and the type of ammunition used. When a target's MILES system gets this information, it figures out what happens. For example, a laser from an M16 rifle cannot "harm" an armored vehicle. But it could still "kill" a commander who is visible in the vehicle's open hatch.

Vehicles usually have a belt of laser sensors or separate wireless detectors. Soldiers often wear a vest or harness with sensors. They also wear a "halo" of sensors on their helmets. MILES systems can send real-time data about positions and events. This data goes to a central place for tracking and display. More advanced systems for tanks and armored vehicles use special lasers and radios. This allows for more accurate targeting of these large vehicles.

The U.S. Army's PEO-STRI branch makes sure the MILES standard is followed.

How MILES Training Began

MILES simulation (note the laser emitters attached to the rifles' barrels, and the laser receptors on the soldiers' helmets and harnesses).

Polish Soldier with MILES gear, AKMS and three magazines taped together jungle style.

MILES was first used by the U.S. Army for training in 1978 and 1979. It helped soldiers practice direct battles against each other. The goal was to create a system that could copy how different weapons work. This included rifles, tank guns, and missiles.

Early MILES systems had a laser module attached to the barrel of a real weapon. They also used a blank-firing adaptor. Soldiers wore an integrated receiver with sensors on their helmet and vest. When a blank shot was fired, the laser would send a coded signal. If another soldier's receiver picked up that signal, the "hit" soldier's gear would beep. This let them know they were "dead."

These early MILES systems had some problems. When a soldier was "hit," their weapon could still fire. It was also easy for soldiers to "cheat" by turning their receivers off and on. This would "respawn" them, or bring them "back to life." Also, no data was saved about who shot whom. This made it hard to learn from the training. MILES gear was also heavy and sometimes caused neck pain for soldiers.

In 1981, a company called Simulaser Corporation started. They worked on "Advanced MILES" systems. These new systems could identify players and keep scores. They also stopped players from "respawning" themselves. All the data from each player was saved. This data could be downloaded after the training. Simulaser also made the gear smaller and more comfortable.

Newer MILES Systems

Versions of MILES made after 1986 used a loud sound to show when a soldier was "killed." To turn off the noise, the soldier had to remove a yellow key from their rifle's laser module. Then they would put it into a box on their harness. Taking the key out of the laser meant the weapon could no longer score hits. With some systems, the "hit" soldier had to lie on their back to stop the noise. This also showed others that they were "dead."

MILES 2 came out in 1991–1992. An add-on called SAWE (simulated area weapons effects) was first used in 1992. It used GPS and radio messages. This allowed vehicles and soldiers to be "killed" from a central location. This could happen due to artillery strikes or chemical attacks. SAWE was used at training centers in Germany and at Fort Polk in the U.S.

As of July 2006, the newest version of MILES was MILES XXI. It was made by Lockheed Martin. In July 2008, the latest soldier-worn MILES in the US was MILES IWS. It was made by Cubic Corporation. By July 2012, the newest soldier-worn version was MILES IWS2, also from Cubic Corporation.

As of 2012, the most current MILES for vehicles was the Instrumentable Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System Combat Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System (I-MILES CVTESS). This system is made by Saab Defense and Security Training and Simulations in Sweden. It helps tank crews practice live gunnery and combat.

I-MILES CVTESS uses lasers for training on Abrams, Bradley, and other fighting vehicles. It shows real-time effects of hits. This system helps replace older MILES equipment. It gives better training for combat vehicle systems. It helps crews learn their duties and practice tactical moves. It also helps commanders train their teams. The system connects with other training systems at large training centers.

Who Uses MILES?

MILES is used by many armies around the world.

National Militaries

Images for kids

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  Simulaser's HGSS/GVLLD Simulator

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  Simulaser's MITS unit