Laser Ammo is a leading company in the field of laser training systems, with an extensive catalog covering the simulation needs of almost all types of shooters, within which there is also a line dedicated to the training of professional operators, i.e. the military and law enforcement officers, which includes the system called CQB in a Box, which we were able to test in depth.
Laser Ammo CQB in a Box: system components
Inside the kit are three targets the size of a human torso, each with three independent reactive hit zones: head, chest and pelvic girdle area, each with a dedicated electronic device, powered by standard AAA batteries. The kit also includes a wireless controller, which allows the devices to be operated and reset, as well as a USB key for PC connection. The dedicated software can be downloaded from the Laser Ammo website.
Everything is contained in a sturdy padded case: the main compartment holds the targets, three dedicated pockets accommodate the tripods, and the front pockets are available to hold a PC and other accessories.
Strengths of Laser Ammo CQB in a Box
The most obvious advantages of the CQB in a Box are undoubtedly its extreme portability and speed of deployment, which make the system excellent not only for routine training, but also for military personnel on missions who do not always have adequate facilities available, or for activities within institutional locations, which must be preserved and do not allow the use of Simunition or other systems.
The other advantage, which emerges with use, is the product's great flexibility: the interactive targets are programmable and allow the number of shots required to incapacitate the target to be set, adapting it to the drills required of the operator. It is also possible to assign different colours to the targets, so as to ask the individual operator to hit only certain areas, or to divide them among the various members of a team during group sessions.
The choice of guns
The CQB in a Box comes ready to be used with no additional components required. The only extra thing needed are the "guns". In fact, the system is compatible with all systems offered by Laser Ammo: SureStrike laser cartridges, laser conversion kits, recoil enabled softair guns and the training-specific laser pistols, which boast additional features such as a proximity sensor that checks whether the user keeps his finger off the trigger guard. Such a wide choice makes it possible to choose whether to use service guns specially converted to operate in full safety, or other dedicated devices; the choice will depend on the training purposes to be pursued. Another relevant aspect is the possibility of simulating both handguns and long guns, including shotguns, for which there is a specific adapter.
The CQB in a box is a valuable resource for operators undergoing training and the computer connection makes it even more valuable for instructors, who through the dedicated software can obtain many useful statistics to evaluate the operators' behaviour to be further investigated during debriefing, such as drill times, responsibility and effects of engagements and so on.
Laser Ammo CQB in a Box: our test
We set up the "killing house" in urban style spaces. We were able to put ourselves to the test by facing a series of CQB scenarios, both individually and in teams, experiencing all the system's features. As users, we experienced the configurability of the system, which allows us to create truly complex and challenging situations, always different from each other, so that we could focus on all the different aspects of such a complex activity. But above all, we appreciated the peace of mind resulting from the complete safety, which leaves the shooters free to concentrate totally on the drills, which are already sufficiently complex without having to handle real weapons as well. It should also be emphasised that we were able to train optimally inside any building, setting up and varying the scenarios in very little time, leaving the place in the same state as we found it.
While training, we were also able to see the importance of the "gun" choice: each type offers different features, such as the greater realism of recoil enabled replicas, the immediate feedback for the shooter when using a visible laser, or conversely, a better training in the tactical use of infrared vision.
When evaluating the price, which in the US starts from $2,500 depending on the configuration chosen, it is important to consider the specific intended use: the cost, which would certainly be expensive for a private individual, becomes convenient for the institutional customer, if compared to the financial and time expenditure required for firearms training of personnel, assuming that adequate facilities are always available.
For further information please visit the Laser Ammo website.
