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Uncle Sam is taking another look at the value of virtual training within the military. United States Army officials along with many psychologists believe virtual reality games can be used to prevent Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) in soldiers.
Such games as “America’s Army,” the official game of the U. S. Army, offers gamers simulated combat situations. These games sharpen fighting skills and perhaps even guard soldiers from the mental stress of active wartime. The Army claims that reality-based games can prepare soldiers for the mental horrors of war.
Experts cautioned that virtual worlds could facade the actuality of war. The fine line between amusement and war may have unintended penalties, according to Peter Singer, a Brookings Institute defense expert. In the Foreign Policy journal, he argues how “militainment” phenomenon may change, the way soldiers view combat. Singer is quoted in a Foreign Policy journal article disputing the use of virtual reality games as a training tool. He said, that” militaniment” trends can warp how people view war.
Executive producer for the game “America’s Army 3”, Marsha Berry said, “The Army has really taken a hold of gaming technology.” Today’s recruiters are seeking out the “gamer” generation.
In the Philadelphia area, an Army recruiting station made warfare video games and simulators available to potential recruits. Recruiters were aiming to catch the attention of inner-city youth. “We wanted kids to be able to start playing at 13,” Berry explained. “If they haven’t thought about the Army by the time they get to 17, it’s probably not something they’ll do.”