§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future role of the new arms tactical training centre in Germany. [45030]
§ Dr. ReidThe role of the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) simulation system is primarily to assist in the training of an armoured Battle Group (BG). It will allow a BG to practice both its tactical and command procedures without having to deploy onto a training area. CATT will realistically simulate a warfighting environment with its inherent friction. All training will be closely monitored, thus allowing mistakes to be immediately rectified and thereby more fully preparing the BG for the culmination of its training at BATUS in Canada and in Poland. Additionally, like all simulation systems, CATT should reduce the costs of BG deployments as a result of reduced track mileage and equipment support, whilst alleviating environmental pressure on training areas. Due to the flexibility of the system, as well as current main equipments being simulated, there is scope for equipments such as helicopters and future equipments such as the Multi-Roled Armoured Vehicle to be incorporated into the system. Ultimately, with the ability to network with CATT UK, there will also be the opportunity for an armoured brigade HQ to train two BGs simultaneously, thus practising another level of command.