Synthetic Training Environment Refinement & Prototyping

Mission — Synthetic Training Environment Refinement & Prototyping source

STE-Software (STE-SW) was previously referred to as STE-lnformation System (STE-IS). These funding lines are directly aligned to the Army Synthetic Training Environment (STE) Modernization Priority. STE continues to support the SECARMY and CSA's guidance on the Army's continuous transformation to become more lethal in the live, virtual and constructive training environments enabling Commanders to prioritize time and resources towards building lethality and cohesive teams. STE continues to develop and deliver capabilities that enable Soldiers to shoot, move, communicate, and be experts in their craft through tough, realistic squad to brigade level individual/collective training tasks. The Synthetic Training Environment (STE) is the next generation holistic combined arms collective training capability that will enable leaders, Soldiers, and units from Squad through Army Service Component Command to train where they will fight, with the partners they will fight with, and in complex operational environments in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). STE will revolutionize Army training by providing the repetition necessary at the Point of Need (PoN) for improved proficiency prior to live training or operations- improving Soldier lethality and survivability. The STE program has multiple Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts awarded and will implement an incremental fielding approach leveraging the Software Acquisition pathway (SWP) and the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) pathway. The STE will be available where training occurs (home station, combat training centers, armories, institutions, and deployed locations). The STE is comprised of five main signature efforts: 1) STE-Software (STE-SW); 2) Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainers (RVCT); 3) Squad Immersive Virtual Trainer (SiVT), in partnership with Soldier Lethality's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program); 4) STE Live; and 5) Soldier Virtual Trainer. STE-SW is comprised of Synthetic Training Environment training capability consisting of One World Terrain (OWT), Training Simulation Software (TSS), Training Management Tools (TMT), and Next Generation Constructive (NGC). The RVCT will allow units to collectively train, using proponent developed Combined Arms Training Strategies (CATS), on a simulated, fully interactive, real-time battlefield. Squad Immersive Virtual Trainer (SiVT) is the immersive training capability delivered as part of the IVAS for the close combat Squads that enables IVAS to be a fight, rehearse, and training platform. STE Live focuses on the development of twelve engagement types and five instrumentation enablers. The twelve engagement types are direct fire, counter-defilade fire, indirect fire, dropped objects, placed objects, thrown objects, guided weapons, autonomous weapons, cyber, directed energy, radiant energy, and plume; the five instrumentation enablers are calculations, networks, sensors, terrains, and transmitters. SVT will provide training to Soldiers Army wide by providing Weapons Skills Development (WSD) and Joint Fires Trainer (JFT). The FY 2026 cost of the Synthetic Training Environment-Live Training System (STE-LTS) Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) effort is $44.7 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify FYDP funding in a future budget submission. The FY 2026 cost of the Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) effort is $7.4 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify FYDP funding in a future budget submission. The FY 2026 cost of the Soldier Virtual Trainer (SVT) Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) effort is $37.4 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify FYDP funding in a future budget submission. Synthetic Training Environment Refinement & Prototyping is part of the Army Transformation Initiative. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $1.165 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative."

Mission — STE Information Systems (TSS, TMT) source

STE-Software (STE-SW) was previously referred to as STE-lnformation System (STE-IS). The Training Simulation Software/Training Management Tools (TSS/TMT) provides two of the three core functions for the Synthetic Training Environment - Software (STE-SW). TSS/TMT converges our current live, virtual, gaming and constructive environments to provide a single, unified training & management environment from Soldier/Squad to Army Service Component Command (ASCC). TSS/TMT provides the ability to train in a single or multiple live, virtual, gaming and constructive environment simultaneously. The Training Simulation Software (TSS), the core STE simulation engine, provides the physical and behavior models necessary to replicate the operational environment to enable collective training from Soldier/Squad through ASCC. The TSS provides entity, aggregate, and common services, as well as adjudicates interactions at the entity level (e.g., Computer-Generated Forces (CGF), and synthetic equipment). The Training Management Tool (TMT) enables units to quickly plan, prepare, execute, monitor, and assess collective training events for readiness. TMT provides an easy-to-use interface, combined with an Intelligent tutor to reduce help-desk support, time, and manpower currently required. TMT leverages training management (data) services and authoritative data sources to enable training on demand regardless of geographic location. In FY 2021, TSS/TMT entered the execution phase of the Software Acquisition Pathway. TSS/TMT facilitates rapid and iterative delivery of its capabilities through a Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps) process to support Soldier/Squad (Sq) to Brigade (BDE) level training which began fielding 3QFY2024. The STE-SW ICD was validated 1QFY2025 identifying the CSA's guidance to accelerate the NGC capability requirement beginning in FY 2026 that TSS/TMT will support. Next Generation Constructive (NGC) provides the constructive training environment to sufficiently train large scale combat operations (LSCO) in multi-domain operations, to include, joint, land, air cyber, space, and maritime. NGC enables collective training to be conducted for Army Service Component Command (ASCC) and below, while increasing efficiency in planning, preparing, and executing training events. NGC will provide the Army the ability to train and educate commanders and their staff across multiple domains (land, air, cyber, space, and maritime). NGC will enable joint and multinational forces to defeat a near-peer threats contesting the Joint Force across all domains. FY 2026 RDTE dollars for CR2 supports the following efforts: STE-SW (NGC and TSS/TMT) requirements reflected in the validated STE-SW Initial Capability Document (ICD) 1QFY2025 to address development, modeling, integration, architecture, infrastructure, and cloud migration for acceleration of initial NGC Capability Requirements (CRs) beginning in FY2025. STE-SW provides the ability for the U.S. Army to conduct Joint and Multinational Operations and ability to model Multidomain Operations (MDO) to train against a hybrid threat contesting joint force objectives in all five domains. It also provides Core Services enabling all elements of live, virtual, and constructive capabilities. FY2026, RDT&E funds will focus on the Chief of Staff of the Army's (CSA) acceleration directive to provide Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of NGC Corps capability in FY 2026. Supports development of NGC capability to enable Corps commanders to conduct Command Post Exercises (CPX) in support of Warfighter Exercises with sufficient fidelity, accuracy, and Command and Control (C2) stimulation meeting training objectives, while minimizing overhead. STE-SW (NGC and TSS/TMT) will iteratively develop, test, and deliver capability through agile software development. Areas of planned focus will be MDO effects, Soldier/Squad to ASCC level scalability, and cloud-based home-station availability of accelerated Corps capabilities. Provides software factory and STE core services in support of constructive software development and integration. Additionally, STE-SW will continue to maintain concurrency with Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) and integration of Avionics Software Emulation (AvSE). Funds continue to support software releases across STE lines of efforts [NGC, RVCT, Soldier Virtual Trainer (SVT), Live Training System (Live)]. All STE-SW development efforts are supported by Technical Assessments, Soldier Touch Points (STPs), test planning events, and value assessments.

Mission — STE Live source

The Synthetic Training Environment (STE) Live program develops live training systems in concert with the Cross Functional Team STE initiatives. The STE Live program converges live training with the STE, providing units the necessary training components to accelerate and sustain combined arms maneuver proficiency in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The STE Live program focuses on the development of a next generation live training architecture that leverages innovative technologies and standards to enable the realistic exercise of unit combat weapons up to brigade level in Multi Domain Operation Environments. The challenge today is the Army cannot train as it fights since 40% of Brigade Combat Team (BCT) platforms weapons effects are currently not simulated by today's live training system, Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES). STE Live next generation systems will replicate the following new engagement types, improve sensory feedback, increase realism of direct fire engagement, increase realism of battle damage assessments, improve after action reviews and improve instrumentation at the Combat Training Centers and Home Stations: Indirect Fire, Counter-Defilade (M320, MK-19), Place Object (Mines), Thrown Objects (Grenades), Dropped Objects (Bombs), Guided Weapon (Missiles), Autonomous Weapon (Missiles, Smart Munitions), Direct Energy (laser), Radiant Energy (Sonic, Microwave), Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Plumes and Cyber. FY 2026 RDTE funds will continue to revolutionize Soldier Simulation and Training systems to include a Synthetic Training Environment for 12 engagement types: Direct Fire, Counter-Defilade Fire, Indirect Fire, Dropped Objects, Placed Objects, Thrown Objects, Guided Weapons, Autonomous Weapons, Cyber, Directed Energy, Radiant Energy, and Plume. The 5 instrumentation enablers are Calculations, Networks, Sensors, Terrains, and Transmitters. The FY 2026 cost of the Synthetic Training Environment-Live Training System (STE-LTS) Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) effort is $44.7 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify FYDP funding in a future budget submission.

Mission — STE One World Terrain (OWT) source

One World Terrain (OWT) supports the current National Security Strategy (NSS), National Defense Strategy, and National Military Strategy (NMS) as one of the Army's modernization efforts, and one of three core functions of the Synthetic Training Environment - Software (STE-SW). OWT provides a 3D global terrain capability and associated information services that support virtual replication of the physical Earth to reflect the complexities of the operational environment in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) for use in training. OWT enables leaders, Soldiers, and units to train in simulated complex operational environments across the globe replicating dense urban, woodland, jungle, desert, and subterranean areas before the first fight begins. OWT modernizes the Army's terrain generation capability by automatically processing raw geospatial data into a format that is editable and consumable by standard commercial tools and technologies. It provides the tools to incorporate approved geospatial information updates and local terrain surveys into the OWT foundational repository and will be used by the Synthetic Training Environment (STE) to represent the terrain in a virtual environment. In FY 2021, OWT entered the Software Acquisition Pathway. As part of the STE family of programs, OWT provides rapid and iterative delivery of its capabilities to the Training Support System/Training Management Tool (TSS/TMT) for integration into the STE-SW that supports the Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT), Next Generation Constructive (NGC), and future STE training systems. FY 2026 OWT RDTE funds will continue the development of capabilities that automatically process geospatial data into simulation ready 3D terrain for training use; provide geospatial data and models that are editable by standard commercial tools and technologies; and incorporate approved geospatial data updates and user-generated terrain captures into the OWT repository. FY 2026 RDTE funds will also address the OWT requirements codified in the STE-SW ICD, validated 1QFY2025, for One World Terrain (OWT) to accommodate the increased ingestion of terrain, common models, interoperability standards for the acceleration of initial NGC Capability Requirements (CRs) to conduct Joint and Multinational Operations (MDO), the ability to model MDO, and STE Core Services. This is critical to the modernization of the US Army's constructive simulation toolkit used to train Commanders and their staffs at echelon. OWT Program Office costs transitioned from OMA to RDTE based on utilization of the Software Acquisition Pathway.

Mission — STE Reconfigurable Virtual Trainer (RVCT) source

The Synthetic Training Environment-Software (STE-SW) and Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) requirements, directly support the Army Collective Training Environment - Initial Capabilities Document (ACTE-ICD) as the Army's cornerstone for replicating the Operational Environment (OE) during training events enabling the Army to train as it fights. Separate, but interoperable, RVCT systems are required for both air and ground collective training. The Air RVCT will represent the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserves fleet of rotary wing aircraft. The Ground RVCT will represent ground track and wheeled vehicles from the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. The Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) is the Army's next generation Virtual Training System for conducting collective maneuver training, collective gunnery training, mission rehearsal, and pre-deployment training; that will prepare units for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The RVCT includes aviation platforms (RVCT-A), ground platforms (RVCT-G), and dismounted infantry devices. The RVCT is transportable to the Point of Need (PoN) allowing units to train anywhere in the world. The RVCT will be enabled using the STE-SW, which provides a fully interactive, real time simulated battlefield. FY 2026 RDTE funds will provide new variant first article development, integration of lab assets and provide cybersecurity support for RVCT. The FY 2026 cost of the Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) effort is $7.4 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify FYDP funding in a future budget submission.

Mission — STE Soldier Virtual Trainer (SVT) source

The Soldier Virtual Trainer (SVT) is enabled by the Synthetic Training Environment (STE) and is a virtual immersive trainer that combines and integrates several individual Soldier training capabilities: Weapon Skills Development (WSD), Joint Fires Training (JFT), and Use of Force (UoF). (1) WSD provides immersive capability to meet individual/crew weapons training in support of Army integrated weapon training strategies. (2) JFT provides certification and qualification of Joint Fires Observers (JFO). This includes the training of types II and III close air support according to the JFO Memorandums of Agreement. SVT will take a phased acquisition approach in developing the three capabilities beginning with WSD, JFT, and UoF respectively. SVT's acquisition strategy implementation and award will reduce impact of replacing currently fielded sustained Program of Records (Engagement Skills Trainer II (EST II) and Call for Fire Trainer III (CFFT III)). EST and CFFT PoRs are currently in sustainment awaiting to be replaced by SVT. FY 2026 RDTE funds for SVT furthers the development of prototype designs for SVT Core Integration, WSD - Increment 2, and JFT capabilities. The prototype designs will inform requirements, technology readiness level maturity, design of the SVT capabilities, and level of effort to integrate with STE Software. The FY 2026 cost of the Soldier Virtual Trainer (SVT) Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) effort is $37.4 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify FYDP funding in a future budget submission.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (6)