US Army Counter IED Training Using "Games"

[Gordo_Viper]

JTOIC Article

This past week marked the release of the latest version of Medal of Honor, a videogame that has come under a great deal of fire since it was revealed that in its newest iteration players would be able to assume the role of Taliban fighters and fire on American troops. After fielding protests and complaints, Electronic Arts made a last-minute decision to rename the terrorists in the game, calling them “an opposing force” instead of “the Taliban.”

The controversy is hardly a surprise, given that the game addresses an ongoing conflict, a fight where moms and dads, brothers, sisters and friends are still in harm’s way. What is surprising is that playing a videogame where players can assume the role of terrorists is something that the U.S. Army not only understands, but actively develops and plays on a regular basis.

Pretty interesting read.

[Parabellum]

Very interesting read, indeed. Speaking of interesting reads and software, I read an article recently which stated that the SASR had used 'virtual reality' software to prepare themselves prior to going to Afghanistan and taking part in Operation Anaconda. The article didn't mention the software by name, but I'm 110% sure that it was VBS1.

[Ruin]

I didn't get to play video games in Mob... damn.

I like the simulators (like for the Bradleys) and even the EST (Electronic Skills Trainer) for mock-range time. But when it came down to situational awareness, Counter-IED, Counter-Sniper etc... nothing beat real life lane training. Forcing yourself to look 360*, movement techniques etc. Just gotta get out in the field and do it.

[Gordo_Viper]

I didn't get to play video games in Mob... damn.

I like the simulators (like for the Bradleys) and even the EST (Electronic Skills Trainer) for mock-range time. But when it came down to situational awareness, Counter-IED, Counter-Sniper etc... nothing beat real life lane training. Forcing yourself to look 360*, movement techniques etc. Just gotta get out in the field and do it.

Ruin,

Live training is always a good thing. Simulatior training prior to the live stuff makes it more effective.

Neat little system at Bragg:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G067gF94wZk

Very interesting read, indeed. Speaking of interesting reads and software, I read an article recently which stated that the SASR had used 'virtual reality' software to prepare themselves prior to going to Afghanistan and taking part in Operation Anaconda. The article didn't mention the software by name, but I'm 110% sure that it was VBS1.

Para,

Yeah that'd be VBS2 mate. There not the only ones using it in theatre.