Virtual Reality in the Military: Simulating Combat Training
- July 7, 2023
- Enterprise, VR
Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality in the Military
Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful immersive platform capable of simulating real-world environments, scenarios, and interactions. While the gaming and entertainment industries were early adopters of VR technology, its potential and use in other industries are growing daily. The military is one sector where VR is showing significant promise. In this article, we will look at the numerous applications of virtual reality in the military, its development over time, and the technology’s possibilities.
Virtual Reality in the Military: Past, Present, and Future
Brief History of VR in the Military
The military has always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies, and virtual reality is no exception. The early adoption of VR technology in the military dates back to the 1980s when Tom Furness presented the first virtual flight simulator for training Air Force pilots. These simulators and the subsequent models provided a safe and cost-effective way to simulate various flight scenarios and conditions, from basic maneuvers to complex combat situations.
As VR technology advanced, the military began using it for other training purposes, such as ground combat scenarios, vehicle and aircraft simulations, and medical and first-aid training. With the advent of more advanced hardware and software, VR is used to enhance situational awareness and improve psychological support and rehabilitation for soldiers.
Future Outlook for VR in the Military
Experts predict that the use of VR technology in the military will continue to grow in the coming years. With the development of more advanced hardware and software, new applications of VR in the military are being explored, such as remote surveillance and reconnaissance, virtual collaboration and communication, and even autonomous systems.
In addition to training scenarios, VR technology enhances situational awareness in the field. Soldiers can use VR headsets to understand their surroundings and potential threats better. This can help soldiers make better decisions and ultimately lead to better outcomes in the field.
VR technology also improves psychological support and rehabilitation for soldiers. Soldiers who suffer from PTSD can use VR to simulate real-life scenarios that may trigger their symptoms. This can help soldiers learn coping mechanisms, leading to better mental health outcomes.
Virtual Reality for Training and Simulation
Virtual Reality (VR) technology has made significant strides in military training and simulation. The technology provides a safe and cost-effective way to simulate various real-world scenarios and conditions, reducing the risk of injury and collateral damage during training exercises. Let’s look at some of the applications of VR in the military.
Combat Training Scenarios
VR technology allows soldiers to practice combat scenarios in virtual environments that simulate various battlefield conditions, such as weather, terrain, and enemy tactics. Soldiers can practice various combat skills, including marksmanship, tactical maneuvers, and teamwork. This training enhances soldiers’ decision-making abilities in complex and unpredictable situations.
An example of this type of training in action comes from Street Smarts VR. Using HTC VIVE technology, Street Smarts implemented repeatable training scenarios preparing individuals for real-world conflict. The United States Air Force said it saved 40 training hours per user per year since deploying this VR training.
Vehicle and Aircraft Simulations
VR technology is also used for vehicle and aircraft simulations, which provide a safe and cost-effective way to train soldiers on the operation and maintenance of these vehicles. Simulations can also be used to train soldiers on driving and flying skills, as well as tactical maneuvers and emergency procedures.
The US Army is blending virtual, live, and collective training elements in its Synthetic Training Environment (STE). The STE is also working on the Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT), an adaptive hardware system that expands the reach of the STE. Used together, the STE and RVCT replicate the operation of common fighting vehicles such as the Abrams, Bradley, and Stryker.
Medical and First Aid Training
VR technology is also used for medical and first aid training, providing a safe and realistic environment for soldiers to practice their skills. Injured soldiers can be simulated, and medical staff can practice administering first aid and performing emergency medical procedures in a safe, controlled environment.
Moreover, VR technology can simulate various medical training scenarios, such as combat injuries, trauma, and emergency medical procedures. The technology can also give medical staff a better understanding of different medical conditions and their treatment.
Disaster Response and Crisis Management
VR technology can also be used for disaster response and crisis management training, simulating various scenarios and disaster conditions that emergency responders may face. This training can help them make better decisions and respond more effectively during real-life emergencies.
For instance, emergency responders can practice responding to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, in a simulated environment. The technology can also simulate terrorist attacks, chemical spills, and other crises, providing emergency responders with a comprehensive training experience.
Enhancing Situational Awareness with VR
Another important application of VR in the military is for enhancing situational awareness. VR technology can provide soldiers with real-time data visualization, remote surveillance and reconnaissance, and virtual collaboration and communication.
With VR technology, soldiers can have a 360-degree view of their surroundings, allowing them to see and analyze potential threats from all angles. This immersive experience can be instrumental in urban warfare, where soldiers must identify potential ambushes and hidden enemies.
Real-Time Data Visualization
VR can be used for real-time data visualization, allowing soldiers to access critical information about their surroundings and potential threats in real-time. This can help soldiers make better decisions and react quickly during combat.
For example, soldiers can use VR to view real-time maps and satellite imagery of their surroundings, allowing them to identify potential threats and plan their movements accordingly. They can also use VR to track the movements of friendly and enemy forces, helping them to anticipate enemy actions and respond effectively.
Remote Surveillance and Reconnaissance
VR can also be used for remote surveillance and reconnaissance, allowing soldiers to remotely monitor their surroundings and gather intelligence on enemy movements and activities. This can provide valuable insights and help soldiers plan their operations more effectively.
With VR, soldiers can remotely control drones and other uncrewed vehicles, allowing them to gather intelligence on enemy positions and movements without putting themselves in harm’s way. They can also use VR to simulate reconnaissance missions, helping them to plan and execute operations more effectively.
VR for Psychological Support and Rehabilitation
VR is used to improve the mental and emotional well-being of soldiers. VR technology is used for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, stress and pain management and resilience training, and physical rehabilitation and prosthetics. Listen to our conversation with Dr. Anne Lord Bailey and Caitlin Rawlins of the Veteran’s Health Administration to learn more about how they use VR to treat veterans at 160 facilities across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment
VR can be used for PTSD treatment, allowing soldiers to confront and process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. This can help soldiers overcome their trauma and manage their symptoms more effectively.
Stress Management and Resilience Training
VR can also be used for stress management and resilience training, helping soldiers develop coping mechanisms and build resilience. This training can improve their performance and well-being in and out of combat.
Physical Rehabilitation and Prosthetics
VR technology can also be used for physical rehabilitation and prosthetics, allowing soldiers to practice movements and exercises in a safe and controlled environment. This training can help soldiers improve their mobility and decrease their risk of injury, enabling them to return to their duties more quickly and effectively.
In 2021, researchers from Hiroshima University and the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology released their findings on the impact of VR intervention in lower limb amputees. They concluded, “Our findings suggest that VR-based rehabilitation may be an effective way to introduce gait rehabilitation for lower-limb amputees. The results may help improve the quality of life of these individuals.”
Virtual Reality Security and Management
Virtual reality revolutionizes military operations by providing a versatile platform with various applications. It enables effective training, simulation, enhanced situational awareness, and improved psychological support and rehabilitation for soldiers. However, for VR to truly benefit the military, it must be accessible and easy to maintain. Managing multiple devices across different facilities worldwide can be challenging and time-consuming for military personnel and contractors. Overcoming these obstacles is possible with a comprehensive management platform like ArborXR.
ArborXR offers a powerful solution for managing VR systems. We comply with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA), carry a SOC 2 Type 2 certification, and leverage Google Cloud’s robust security standards. With ArborXR, you can confidently deploy, manage, and control your VR headsets, ensuring security remains a top priority.
If you are considering implementing VR for military uses, we can help you plan for your initial XR program, and for scale in the long-term. Contact us to get in touch, or get started today.
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