In a significant advancement for military training, the US Army has awarded a $28 million contract to Serious Simulations, a Florida-based company, to develop sophisticated simulated grenades and mines designed for realistic training scenarios. This contract aims to enhance the training experience for soldiers by providing authentic-feeling devices that mimic the appearance and operation of real munitions.
The new training grenades and mines are equipped with actual components such as the spoon, pull ring, and safety clip for grenades, as well as elements like firing devices, wire spools, and bandoleers for the Claymore kit. However, unlike traditional explosives, these devices utilize Serious Simulations’ patented proximity technology, allowing them to accurately simulate battlefield conditions without the dangers associated with live munitions.
When activated, these devices measure their distance from nearby soldiers or vehicles and determine the outcomes of simulated combat encounters. This includes assessing whether personnel would realistically sustain injuries or remain unaffected, while also taking into account physical barriers that might offer cover—thus reinforcing tactical decision-making in real combat scenarios.
The results of these simulations are transmitted in real-time to a Universal Receiver Unit either worn by soldiers or mounted on vehicles. This unit logs damage outcomes and integrates the data into the Army’s Synthetic Training Environment (STE), enhancing the overall training experience.
Michael Powell, product manager for the US Army’s Synthetic Training Environment Live Training Systems (STE LTS), highlighted that these advanced training tools bridge a critical gap in live force-on-force exercises for close combat weapon systems. Traditional training has often relied on improvised devices, such as tennis balls or rocks, which fell short of providing an accurate representation of the chaos and pressures faced in actual combat scenarios.
The Massachusetts National Guard has previously emphasized the importance of training aids that prepare soldiers for the realities of combat by embodying the stress and confusion typical in battlefield conditions. Further, the US Army has been exploring virtual training innovations, including a recent introduction of haptic technology in July 2025, which enhances training by allowing soldiers to experience tactile feedback during exercises.
Serious Simulations, a veteran-owned small enterprise, began collaborating with the Army in 2023 to refine its prototype and customize its proximity technology for military applications. CEO Christopher Chambers noted that this new contract will facilitate greater production capabilities and the development of cutting-edge training solutions. He expressed hopes that the company’s Proximity technology could eventually be adapted for a wider array of training devices, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), improvised explosive device (IED) training, as well as anti-tank and anti-personnel mines.
This partnership marks a crucial step forward in modernizing military training and ensuring that soldiers are well-prepared for the complexities of combat, while minimizing risks associated with traditional training methods.
