Testing of the training and combat support kit in Hungary

From 06 JUL to 07 JUL 2023, MSGt Gabor KOROM, the NATO EOD COE EOD/IEDD VR/XR Training and Combat Support Kit (ETACS) Deputy Project Manager (DPM), led the third ETACS field test. The two days testing of ETACS was held and supported by the Hungarian EOD & River Flotilla Regiment in Budapest.

Opening the field-testing event, MSGT Korom in details introduced the ETACS project tasks, events and main goals. Moreover, participants of the field testing were emphasized the next ETACS opportunity that will be the upcoming NATO EOD Demonstrations & Trials (11-12 OCT 2023), in Bratislava, Slovakia.

The Field Test’s main objective was to demonstrate the NATO EOD COE Technology Department’s Project by using the Oculus VR set in combination with a PC application to the product’s end user. To showcase the EOD Virtual Reality training kit participants of the event tried and tested all of the available ETACS options by themself. The end user/field testing audience consisted of EOD operators of different EOD levels and skills which helped to bring different perspectives inside the ETACS users’ feedback, which is essential for the ETACS effective development. Furthermore, MSGt KOROM presented the ETACS project leaders' plan that focus is the closer cooperation between the sponsoring nations’ Points of Contact (POC) and the NATO EOD COE ETACS project team. 

During the two days event, the audience was very active and cooperative as they expressed their very thoughtful impressions and many interesting ideas for improvement by filling the ETACS survey. 
At the end of the second day, the appointed POC and DPM summarized the two days of testing activities and concluded that the field testing was very successful and could mark the beginning of new cooperation for the future.

Text: MSGT Gabor KOROM (HUN A)
Photo: MSGT Gabor KOROM (HUN A)