Application of virtual environments for infantry soldier skills training: We are doing it wrong

Abstract

Simulation based training (SBT) technology has been shown to be effective in a number of domains such as for pilot training and ground vehicle operator training. In the dismounted infantry soldier skills domain, the low hanging fruit for effective use of SBT is equipment operations training. However, the complexities of the operational environment are often too difficult to replicate in current virtual environments to present an accurate or effective training for the skills requiring identification of enemy activity or reacting to enemy contact. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory and the University of Central Florida have been conducting studies using large numbers of soldiers to determine how effective virtual training methods are in comparison to traditional training methods for dismounted infantry soldier skills. This paper will discuss recommendations for changes in the employment of virtual training systems that could have a meaningful impact on the performance of soldiers.