Defence and training support company MASS, part of the Cohort plc Group, has launched its SESCO training methodology for electronic warfare (EW) and cyber and electromagnetic activities (CEMA) operators, analysts and command staff at AOC Europe.
Comprising of five key stages – simulate, emulate, stimulate, calibrate and operate – the training methodology takes personnel with limited-to-no experience of EW and CEMA, and provides the knowledge, skills and experience to ensure they are ready for deployed operations.
The SESCO methodology incorporates MASS’ proven EW training solutions NEWTS, replicating the four-stage intelligence cycle for immersive training, which simulates the intensity of operations in the field.
The integration of NEWTS enables passive training without emitting an RF footprint – except for in the final ‘calibrate’ stage – that could be intercepted and utilised by adversaries. This is crucial for ensuring security when training is being conducted, as training is typically based on operational combat.
Keith Norton, Managing Director at MASS said, “Recent conflicts have clearly highlighted the importance of EW for obtaining operational advantage. Preparation and training are crucial to ensuring EW operators have the skills and experience needed to navigate a congested and contested electromagnetic environment before deployment. This is where the SESCO approach is unique – it enables personnel to train in a realistic environment, facing the challenges of congestion to apply their classroom-based learning.”
The first two stages of the methodology are classroom based:
Simulate – Operator, analyst and command staff scenario-based training in a simulated simple electromagnetic environment (EME) using MASS’ NEWTS capability and “representative” data. This provides the ability to simulate end-to-end EW/CEMA process in a simulated EME with no RF footprint.
Emulate – Advanced operator, analyst and command staff scenario-based training in a realistic contested EME utilising IQ data. This leverages NEWTS and combines it with BATTLEYE to superimpose in-phase and quadrature (IQ) signals on the real-world spectrum without producing a RF footprint.
Building on the classroom learning, the second half of the training is field based to put the theory into practice:
Stimulate – Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) equipment specific training. This stage stimulates OEM in service equipment with signals of interest (SOI) via wire. This signal generation uses IQ data for real world target sets. No RF footprint is produced.
Calibrate – PacEX / FTX and PDT detachment drills and processes. With the ability to calibrate OEM in service equipment and expose exercising troops to specific SOI via RF from predesignated locations, this stage provides a realistic train as you operate environment.
Operate – The SESCO methodology ensures that EW / CEMA personnel are fully trained, and have awareness of roles and responsibilities at all levels. The training incorporates mission planning and mission rehearsals, testing and calibration of equipment as well as testing and trialling of robust standard operating procedures (SOPs), tactics techniques and procedures (TTPs) and concept of operations (CONOPS).
Stuart Willumsen, Head of Training and Principal CEMA Consultant at MASS added, “For EW operators, analysts and commanders to feel confident and prepared for operations, we must go beyond classroom learning. By combining theoretical understanding with the experience of operating in a safe, yet realistically congested simulated contemporary multi-threat environment, EW staff gain the knowledge, skills, and practical insights needed to secure operational advantage and develop professionally.”
For more information on MASS, please visit: www.mass.co.uk
