Technology and the Army

Whether it be by research or experience some of you may know the various ways the U.S. Army trains its newest infantry recruits. In 2008 the U.S. Army has integrated a little bit of technology in their training methods and is seeing great outcomes for their efforts.

VICE, the Virtual Interactive Combat Environment trainer is a Dynamic Animation System that puts recruits through a realistic battle-like training designed to prepare them for physical training later on. Most that see pictures and videos of this new computer technology, believe its one big video game. I mean it does run on a very LARGE digital screens and animated battles much like your common multiplayer war games. However the VICE gives drill sergeants the availability to take their squad through multiple battle scenarios using the integrated simulator in which each soldier has their own avatar and Xbox-like controller along with their squad mates. This new computer technology then records the actions, number of shots, ect so they can review on what the soldier needs to do better.

The VICE interface allows the sergeant to change and edit almost any imaginable variable: Terrain, enemy strength, whether it’s Iraq or Afghanistan or almost anything else. The two main objectives to this new technology are:

1. Working together as a team before they move to real-life training battlefield.

2. Getting them to that point without using any ammunition to save money.

“You can always tell the difference between” those who have used VICE and those who haven’t because VICE-trained soldiers have better communications skills, both verbal and nonverbal.” – Unidentified Private

This new technology is being used only at Fort Benning right now, due to a limited budget but there are high hopes by the U.S. Army to spread this new experience to all training locations.

The U.S Army has also integrated several other interesting technologies which are as follows…

EST or Engagement Skills Trainer – Allows Soldiers to learn and practice their shooting skills without using actual weapons and ammunition which allows the U.S Army to save money and to prefect shooting skills safety.

EST – Engagement Skills Trainer

CCTT or Close Combat Tactical Trainer, giving soldiers a simulator and feel of an actual army tank.

CCTT – Close Combat Tactical Trainer