Military readiness depends on both force action and force development, and for decades, the U.S. military has explored using video games as an innovative method to enhance soldier preparedness. These efforts range from training tools to recruitment initiatives, showing a gradual embrace of digital solutions to improve skills and attract tech-savvy recruits. With the U.S. Army expected to spend $26 billion on simulation training by 2028, here are five notable instances where video games were employed in military development.
- The Bradley Trainer
In the early 1980s, Atari developed the Bradley Trainer, a military-specific adaptation of the video game Battlezone, for the U.S. Army. This game was designed to train gunners on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, marking one of the earliest examples of a video game repurposed as a military training tool. Although only two platforms were ever created, the Bradley Trainer set a precedent for future military gaming applications.
- America’s Army
Launched in 2002, America’s Army was a first-person shooter game developed by the Army as both a recruitment and training tool. It allowed potential recruits to experience a simulated version of military life and missions, leading to the creation of over 13 million user accounts. Though America’s Army faced criticism for its portrayal of combat and eventual controversies around militarization, it was instrumental in the Army’s outreach and recruitment efforts until its discontinuation in 2022.
- Full Spectrum Warrior
The U.S. Army collaborated with Pandemic Studios in the early 2000s to create Full Spectrum Warrior (FSW), a game designed to focus on realistic military tactics and team-based strategies. Unlike commercial shooters, FSW avoided direct combat, instead emphasizing tactical planning and squad-level manoeuvres. The game was also later used to study post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting the military’s interest in the therapeutic and analytical potential of video games.
- Training During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, members of the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment used video games to maintain combat readiness. Online gaming allowed soldiers to practice tactical decision-making and manoeuvre formations from home, simulating real-life scenarios and encouraging teamwork. This virtual method provided essential continuity in training when in-person exercises were not possible.
- Embracing E-sports
In recent years, the U.S. military has entered the world of e-sports, with each branch launching its own gaming teams. Starting in 2022, the Department of Defence began hosting the annual Armed Forces Championship, where active-duty members compete across branches. These events aim to build camaraderie, foster mental resilience, and promote tech skills, particularly in STEM areas. They also serve as a recruitment tool, connecting with younger generations through shared gaming interests.
The U.S. military’s use of video games demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to training, recruiting, and fostering connections among service members. As technology advances, the role of video games in military development is likely to expand, reflecting the evolving nature of training and readiness in a digital age.
SOURCE: SDI-AI
