Battlefield Effects (BFX)

In order to enhance the perceived threat environment in the training scenarios, Strategic Operations’ TV and movie special effects artists create realistic battlefield effects, including rocket propelled grenades, mines, and explosions from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and vehicle borne IEDs that are employed by insurgents and suicide bombers. Smoke, sound, and smell add the highest level of realism safely to simulate the “fog of war.” The level of fidelity achieved in training is so high, that those who are immersed in it call this Hyper-Realistic training. For those preparing for combat… it becomes stress inoculation.

All of the simulated explosive and fire effects used at STOPS utilize proprietary techniques based on motion picture industry technology. The simulated devices we use for all military training are manufactured at Strategic Operations by pyrotechnicians licensed by federal and state authorities having jurisdiction over the use of explosives. Only certified and licensed pyrotechnicians conduct pyrotechnic special effects in close proximity to actors, and/or an audience.

While these techniques are necessary to provide hyper-realism they are not sufficient. Hollywood pyrotechnic special effects need to be made repeatable, dynamic, and interactive in order to be successfully employed in military training scenarios. Strategic Operations’ technicians, operators and management bring a depth of experience and knowledge of military tactics, techniques, and procedures to the design and employment of battlefield effects.