Open Plan Weapons Training Simulation System (OP WTSS) unveiled at Robertson Barracks

A new training simulation aimed at replicating the sights, sounds and pressures of military combat has been unveiled at Darwin’s top defence base. Find out how it works.

A new training simulation aimed at replicating the sights, sounds and pressures of military combat has been unveiled at Darwin’s top defence base. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A new training simulation aimed at replicating the sights, sounds and pressures of military combat has been unveiled at a Darwin defence base.

On Wednesday evening at Robertson Barracks, the new Open Plan Weapons Training Simulation System (OP WTSS), designed to help soldiers prepare for the realities of combat and improve their decision making in real time, was unveiled.

The indoor facility includes two 15 lane ranges, a close quarter battle zone replicating real-world operations done in confined areas such as homes and hallways, and a floor space designed to enable fire and movement and improve marksmanship under the Combat Marksmanship Continuum.

Brigadier Doug Pashley CSC, Luke Gosling OAM, MP, Richard Marles Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Brigadier Colin Bassett at Robertsons Barracks. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

For security reasons, photographs inside most areas of the training facility were not permitted.

Cutting the ribbon at the unveiling was Defence Minister Richard Marles, who said the new facility would enhance the capability of the defence force in the Top End.

“It is a delight for me to be able to play a part today in opening this facility … this is state of the art,” he said.

“It’s a $17 million spend to bring this to fruition, but it’s the consequence of that which really matters.

Mr Marles said the training system would enable more efficient training. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“It’s going to enable much more efficient training, much higher capability for those men and women who are serving in our defence force, who have the opportunity to use this.”

Mr Males said there were “aspects” of the training facility not seen nationally.

“It’s not something you see at any other facilities around Australia,” he said.

“But it should be that the best facility is here in Darwin … Darwin remains embedded deeply in Australia’s strategic heart.

Richard Marles Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Brigadier Colin Bassett at Robertsons Barracks. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“It’s about making sure our base here in northern Australia … is at absolutely world’s best practice in terms of what a base can provide and the training that it can provide.

“There’s really no excuse now to not be able to engage in this training, irrespective of what weather is going on outside and we need to have these facilities here in this part of the country.

“To everyone who’s been involved in delivering this project, you should feel enormously proud.”

Originally published as Open Plan Weapons Training Simulation System (OP WTSS) unveiled at Robertson Barracks