Certain signals are essential to missile operation but may not be automatically y checked. Visual observations, by means of built-in lamps and dials, are made at the simulator of the test missile. Signals, such as missile orders, are sometimes checked with a multimeter. A serious safety hazard exists when you are making measurements or otherwise approaching the missile while it is on the launcher. ALWAYS ENSURE THAT ALL LAUNCHER MOTORS ARE STOPPED BEFORE APPROACHING THE MISSILE.

After missile readouts are finished, all stations are secured or setup for the next test.

OCSOT

Another test you may be involved with is the overall combat system operability test (OCSOT). The OCSOT provides a tool to make rapid assessments of ship readiness. It tests the entire combat system as an integrated system. An OCSOT uses normal equipment, software, and interfaces during both simulated and controlled live target phases. As a rule, the following systems are tested:

l Guided missile fire control

l Gun fire control

l Antisubmarine warfare

l Electronic warfare

l Tactical data

l Identification friend or foe (IFF)

l Search radars

l Electronic navigation

The OCSOT has specified parameters, such as range, bearing, and elevation tolerances, for all phases. Proper reaction times for systems and operators are also monitored. As an added benefit, the OCSOT results in training for improvement of operational readiness in a combat environment.

TRAINING MISSILES

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recall the general purposes of and the maintenance requirements for the Guided Missile Training Round (GMTR).

A training missile is an integral part of every missile weapons system. A training missile consists of two major subassemblies-a training round and a guided missile simulator. The training round is an inert shape or body that resembles a tactical missile shape. The guided missile simulator is an electronic unit or module that simulates the electrical performance of a tactical missile.

In the SMS community, the primary training missiles are the guided missile training round (GMTR) (pronounced gim-ter) used by the Mk 13 and 26 GMLSs.

Other training rounds and missiles do exist. Examples include the ASROC training round and the (relatively new) training antisubmarine warfare missile (TASWM). Although these items are special-purpose equipments, fictionally they are similar to GMTRs. This discussion will be limited to the GMTRs.

GENERAL PURPOSES

Training missiles are electrically and mechanically compatible to their launching and fire control systems. Training missiles are also capable of simulating the performance of any tactical missile handled by a particular weapons system.

GMTRs are carried by combatant ships for two purposes-training and testing. GMTRs are used to train personnel in magazine loading, launcher operation, missile firing, and missile handling evolutions. The GMTR is also used during DSOT and as an aid in other system testing/equipment maintenance actions. The training and testing functions are really inseparable operations and greatly contribute to overall system readiness.

Training missiles may also be used as display shapes. As your ship enters/leaves port, the GMTRs will be loaded to the launcher. The same thing applies for public/VIP tour demonstrations. This policy may vary among commands, but it is the general rule.

GMTRs are mandatory items in a magazine loadout. Single-arm GMLSs will carry one training missile; dual-arm launchers will carry two training missiles. Although these missiles are inert rounds (contain no explosive materials), they should always be treated as real tactical weapons.