In order to scope out the Armys use of virtual reality training, my editor sent me on a mission to find out if the new tech is the real deal or just fun and games. <\/p>\n
The area of operations was the Association of the U.S. Armys annual conference in Washington, D.C., a target-rich environment for a humble defense reporter like me to get my hands on the defense industrys latest and greatest technology. <\/p>\n
My first taste of virtual soldier life wasnt terribly exciting. I was supposed to embark on a simulated combat assault with the Army Special Forces, but some unexpected tech issues meant I had to hurry up and wait for something else. Ive been told dozens of times by actual troops that flexibility is key, so my photographer, Graeme Jennings, and I mirrored Army values by adapting, improvising, and overcoming our situation. <\/p>\n
With some assistance from the Army Special Forces, we reconnoitered a VR shoot-house, complete with a mock M4 rifle, developed by Booz Allen Hamiltons Digital Soldier program. I was excited to try it out, but was skeptical that one of the worlds largest consulting firms had developed a realistic shooting simulation. <\/p>\n
Graeme Jennings\/Graeme Jennings <\/p>\n
Putting on the VR headset I immediately was transported to a shooting range with a dusty, desert motif. A program engineer handed me my rifle, which looks and feels like a real M4 with a rail system for accessories, a red dot sight, and a magazine. The rifle is a combination of form and function. An electro-magnetic system replaces the firing mechanism to give the M4 realistic recoil, while a selector switch gives the option between safe, semi-automatic, and automatic fire. The magazine is actually a battery pack that serves as the virtual ammo, which must be loaded and unloaded like a real rifle. <\/p>\n
Having never served in the military nor used a VR headset, I came into the experience with low expectations. Shouldering the rifle, I started picking off the armed dummies one-by-one, albeit with mixed results. Everything was simulated to mirror the real thing; recoil, physics, and bullet ricochet were were spot on. <\/p>\n
Graeme Jennings\/Graeme Jennings <\/p>\n
The experience wasnt perfect. The red dot sight didnt operate like the real thing you had to line up the red dot with the front sight to shoot accurately. Also, I couldnt go full-auto with the rifle during the simulation itself kind of a bummer. Additionally, reloading the magazine was an awkward, clunky experience. <\/p>\n
The simulator was fun. Lots of folks lined up at the booth to try it out. As a training exercise, though, its got its limitations. The mannequins dont shoot back, so shooting from cover like you would in a combat situation isnt required. Its also a solo experience with no chatter or background noise you might expect on an active firing range. Still, its definitely more interesting than watching one of the militarys notorious PowerPoint presentations. <\/p>\n
Other virtual shoot houses at AUSA took virtual warfare to the next level. The Korean-based Optimus System placed would-be trainees in urban combat, where the enemy fired back. Hits were recorded via sensors on the trainees' helmets. Four-star Gen. Robert Abrams, who commands U.S. Forces Korea, donned the VR helmet, and shot well. So, too, did a pair of Columbian Army colonels, who afterwards mopped their brows and said, \"It's very realistic.\" <\/p>\n
Some users can be overwhelmed by the hyper-real experience, said an Israeli artist who is studying VR shoot-houses. \"It disorients some people,\" the artist told the Washington Examiner. <\/p>\n
But the Army is convinced these kinds of VR technologies are the future, and is putting them to use. <\/p>\n
As for me, I will return to my comfortable existence as a weekend shooter, taking aim at clay pigeons and paper targets. And will call this, \"mission accomplished.\"<\/p>\n
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I went on a 'mission' to see if the Army's virtual reality training is the real deal - Washington Examiner<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In order to scope out the Armys use of virtual reality training, my editor sent me on a mission to find out if the new tech is the real deal or just fun and games. Continue reading