Solutions

Development of MCIT™ began in 2008 when the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) Joint Center of Excellence (JCOE) partnered with A-T Solutions to solve the challenge of training large numbers of troops on C-IED content that rapidly changes. In 2009, the team expanded to include University of Southern California's (USC's) Institute for Creative Technologies to refine the MCIT design and field prototype systems. The result was unqualified success: A-T Solutions' MCIT, a technology-based solution for delivering C-IED training to a high volume of students in a short amount of time. In 2010, A-T Solutions was awarded a prime contract to field and operate 10 additional systems.

MCIT is mobile and modular, making it fast and flexible, the top two characteristics of successful training solutions in response to the global war on terror. Training is presented in a suite of four 40-foot ISO containers whose mobility allows for delivery of instruction anywhere in the world. MCIT's compartmentalized design facilitates integration of modifications to course content in response to developments in threat trends. MCIT's flexibility to adapt training to changing threats and areas of operation is especially effective in keeping forces current on the latest insurgent activities, trends, and tactics. MCIT's design allows easy customization and conversion of training program components inside each unit to address shifting training priorities.

MCIT's immersive learning environment for C-IED awareness training employs a variety of technology-enabled teaching methods, including video storytelling; multimedia training tools, such as films, CDs, videos, and DVDs; and a "good guys" versus "bad guys" (red versus blue) interactive simulator. In each MCIT, students are guided by video sequences and lighting cues through a complete training experience.

The MCIT system was designed to train personnel who have had minimal exposure to IEDs. It can train up to 120 personnel per 8-hour day. The complete training/evaluation cycle takes about 90 minutes. In that time students learn major IED concepts, types, and components; enemy mind-set, tactics, and bomb-making techniques; and blue force combat principles. Students apply C-IED principles from both a friendly and hostile perspective. Currently more than 19,000 warfighters have been trained.

MCIT Highlights

A-T Solutions designed MCIT to achieve specific training objectives, including the following:

• Respond to requirements of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) guidance on C-IED training for Southwest Asia
• Provide training across a geographically diverse student population
• Handle high rates of student throughput per unit of time
• Standardize training approach for specified learning objectives
• Detailed tracking of student throughput and performance metrics
• Video, simulation, and static display contents are designed to reflect the environment and threats for specific areas of responsibility (AOR)
• Modular physical design facilitates rapid and cost-effective updating of training content in response to constantly changing threats