Virtual Environments for Dismounted Soldier Training and Performance

Book excerpt: "The U.S. Army has made a considerable investment in the use of virtual environments (VE) to train combat forces, to evaluate new systems and operational concepts, and to rehearse specific missions. While these simulations have predominately focused on training and simulation for mounted soldiers, there is also a need to train infantry and other dismounted soldiers. Although VEs have the potential to immerse dismounted soldiers directly in simulations, there are few successful examples of the use of VE to provide effective training. The effective use of VE for training requires identification of the types of tasks for which VE training is most appropriate, the characteristics of VE systems that are required to provide effective training, and the training strategies that are most appropriate for use with VE. This report presents recommendations for the use of VE for dismounted soldier training and mission rehearsal, and identifies needed future research. They are based on the results of an ARI in-house research program, related programs for which ARI scientists have participated, and the work of other VE researchers. Recommendations include types of tasks for which training in VE is and is not appropriate, interface design recommendations, and ways to reduce side- and after-effects. "-- Report documentation page.