Technology and new equipment are exciting tools, but only get us so far. One of the SOF Truths is that “Humans are more important than Hardware.” Getting issued a new piece of high-speed equipment is only the first step. Once you have it, you need to invest in those who will operate it, and be able to get the most out of its capability. This is where advanced training comes in.
In April 2018, testers at the U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s (USAOTC) Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD) conducted low-velocity airdrops of the Ground Mobility Vehicle 1.1 (GMV 1.1).
The GMV 1.1 will become the standardized Special Operations combat vehicle, with the operational flexibility to support the SOF core activities of Direct Action, Special Reconnaissance, Unconventional Warfare, and Counterinsurgency Operations. The GMV 1.1 is designed to be internally transportable via CH-47 Chinook helicopter, as well as U.S. Air Force C–130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III heavy-lift aircraft.
It has also been reported that the Army’s five airborne, infantry brigade combat teams are slated to begin fielding 300 of these Ground Mobility Vehicles.
Vehicle testing is designed to ensure that the GMV 1.1 is effective and suitable for the appropriate operational environments. It is imperative that this is done correctly.
Once the vehicles are ready, the operators need to master the techniques as well. Anyone can drive, but elite warriors and law enforcement professionals need advanced skills to effectively deliver operators to targets for reconnaissance, surveillance, and direct-action operations. The vehicle is merely a medium and it can’t drive itself to these missions.
To enhance the mobility capabilities of specialized military and law enforcement units, GRA Maven has developed Mobility Services. This training provides a fully customizable and comprehensive program designed around realistic mission requirements. This course incorporates advanced, two-wheeled and four-wheeled loose-surface driving techniques, as well as hard-surface offensive driving.
If you are interested to learn more about our Mobility Services contact us today!
