Army Simulates Virtual Combat Zone in Ocean City
In a large tan tent at the Inlet in Ocean City, the U.S. Army has set up a virtual battlefield in which people can participate in a simulated mission, based off the U.S. Army video game, “America’s Army.”
People who are at least 13-years-old can enter the tent and start with an orientation to a mission, like providing humanitarian aid to civilians in Iraq. Then participants enter a cavernous room with several mock military vehicles and a helicopter.
The simulation begins and the participants face enemy insurgents they must shoot with fake guns. Projection walls surround the vehicles with images of the battle scene.
“You just saw the insurgents around you, and you just made sure you had to get them and not get the civilians,” said 16-year-old Cy Jarrett.
The Army says it’s using the experience to get their own messages out and to get people thinking about joining the military.
“There’s a good chance after high school I’d join the military,” 15-year-old Julian Tyler said after participating in the simulation.
Recruiters and Army personnel were available to guide participants through the event and answer questions after their experience.
“This is a recruitment tool, but it’s also here for educational purposes,” said Sgt. Jason Mike, who was awarded a Silver Star for surviving a gun fight in Iraq and saving the lives of fellow soldiers. ”We’re here to educate people on what the army can offer.”
In the simulation there is no real-life gore or real violence.
“We’re rated ‘T’ for teen. Like I said, we’re here for an educational purpose. That doesn’t need to be shown. I think everyone understands that happens with warfare, so that doesn’t need to be explained,” said Sgt. Mike.
But some parents criticize the army for not showing the actual effects and consequences of war, and for allowing young teens to participate in the simulation.
“The games are there and the kids think nothing is going to happen to them when they get older. I think it has an effect on a lot of those school issues,” said William Bean, who is the parent of several young children visiting Ocean City.
Either way, the lines outside the simulation continue to grow.
Reported by Steve Dorsey
