FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Soldiers don headsets and peck meticulously at keyboards, focused on the computer screens before them. The character on their screen, clad in an Army Combat Uniform, executes a variety of maneuvers based on their input - running, jumping, low-crawling, and firing his weapon at targets. When targets are hit, the Soldiers exclaim victoriously, prodding the troops beside them in congratulations or in jest.
This could easily be the scene of a Friday game night in a barracks day room for a group of young Soldiers enjoying the latest first-person shooter video game.
However, these troops are not simply playing a video game. They are in real training, using an advanced-computer simulator to immerse them in realistic battlefield scenarios. The system is known as Virtual Battle Space 2, and offers a configurable virtual environment that can simulate real-world systems or be employed on different simulators to provide realistic visuals.
Army Support Activity uses VBS2 simulating battlefield scenarios, accuately recreating elements such as fire control systems, physics and weapon ballistics. The software looks similar to most modern combat video games, using a "high-fidelity virtual sandbox" where Soldiers conduct individual or collective training. Soldiers break down into two rival teams - OPFOR and BLUEFOR - to accomplish a custom variety of mission objectives.
Ed Donaldson, an ASA simulations specialist, said the Army began using VBS2 in 2006, and is anticipating an upgrade in the near future. He said the system provides operational and budgetary advantages for the Army, as Soldiers receive realistic training without risking injury, and limiting the use of equipment, ammunition and supplies, saving money.
"There's no substitute for field training, but it's a step toward getting them ready for reality in the comfort of the classroom," Donaldson said.
"It allows us go through these scenarios without being in field. I like it," said Sgt. Samuel Maryman, who recently trained using VBS2. "Soldiers get the mental knowledge of what were doing, using what we learned on the game in real-life scenarios."
Commanders and noncommissioned officers in charge can schedule use of the VBS2 for their units, and work with Donaldson to develop specific training scenarios based on their mission requirements.
"We can build convoy scenarios, small arms fire, [improvised explosive device] attacks, land navigation, road marching," Donaldson explained. "It's a good team building tool, as you need to communicate with your team members to succeed. It gets Soldiers more in-tune when they have to do the real thing."
Spc. Carlos Gutierrez, a cargo specialist, said VBS2 does a "good job" at recreating even the smallest details of downrange operations.
"I've deployed, and from what I saw it does give us better situational awareness. The game uses the same weapons we use downrange, the same landscape, buildings, vehicles, everything," he said. "It really helped me with eye-hand coordination."
Donaldson said he thinks "every Soldier needs to go through" VBS2 training due to its realism.
"You can get killed in the simulation, and you don't just come back to life like in a video game. In real battle, if you're not paying attention and not working as a team and just want to be an individual, your life expectancy isn't too great," Donaldson said. "It's the same thing here. If you're all working together, your lifespan will likely be greater."
Even though VBS2 is a serious training tool, most Soldiers that take the controls genuinely enjoy the experience.
"The first thing they ask their NCOIC when they finish is 'can we come here tomorrow?'" said Donaldson. "I think the experience stick with them if and when they have to go into a combat situation."