The Uses of VR in Military Training

Can you participate in military action without being on the training ground, or with a gun in your hand to face the enemy lurking just around the corner? Can you plan and execute an attack, and if necessary, receive support, or fly in a fighter jet and practice the toughest scenarios in challenging conditions, all the while knowing that no one will get hurt? Yes, there is a way – modern methods of military training using virtual reality.

New technologies in military training

In many areas of our lives, state-of-the-art technologies are constantly being introduced, offering us entirely new possibilities on a regular basis. One of the most innovative and exciting of these is virtual reality (VR). The most common example of its use is in entertainment, such as computer games, where fully fabricated worlds are created to dazzle gamers, or special effects in cinema productions which have been wowing audiences for years now. However, VR is also used in other, more utilitarian areas, such as the military.

To better understand the capabilities of this technology, let’s start by explaining what VR is. Simply put, it’s a 3D simulation of any environment, real or fictional. You can view it through VR goggles and interact with it using a set of controllers or other electronic components.

How can VR be used in the military?

With the advancement of technology, the possibilities for executing training exercises remotely are ever-expanding, and there is now an extensive range of skills and knowledge that military personnel can gain this way. In conditions resembling real ones, they can learn to pilot planes, drive vehicles and shoot weapons, all in the safety of a virtual world. They can also improve their soft skills, such as action planning, decision-making, and strategy development. Finally, they are able to verify the acquired skills and knowledge during practical training and exercises on military training grounds.

By wearing VR goggles, soldiers gain total immersion, which means they almost physically experience another reality in conditions which are completely convincing. Moreover, the process of such training does not involve many other people as the trainees can learn by themselves after initial instruction.

Some say that virtual reality is increasingly setting the direction of how modern armies are developing and provides an excellent complement to the available training materials currently available. Through this technology, soldiers can feel and experience the challenges of the battlefield and better adapt to the conditions they will find there.

VR in military training – use cases

Advancements in VR for military training

The continuous advancements in VR technology are transforming military training programs. Modern VR systems feature improved graphics, more realistic physics, and enhanced haptic feedback, which allows soldiers to experience a more immersive training environment. Lightweight headsets have become more comfortable, enabling longer training sessions without discomfort. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence into VR training systems creates adaptive scenarios that respond to a soldier’s actions, providing a unique and personalized learning experience. This evolution ensures that military personnel are not only trained on static scenarios, but also on unpredictable situations that mirror real combat conditions.

Situational awareness

One of the most critical aspects of military training is developing situational awareness, which refers to a soldier’s ability to perceive and understand their environment, anticipate potential threats, and make informed decisions. VR military training significantly enhances this skill by immersing soldiers in lifelike scenarios where they must react to dynamic changes in their surroundings. By simulating various combat situations, including urban warfare and natural disasters, VR helps soldiers practice assessing risks and making quick decisions under pressure. This training method equips them with the mental agility needed to navigate complex environments effectively.

Comprehensive medical training through military VR

The application of VR in healthcare and medical training for military personnel is particularly noteworthy. Traditional methods often lack the intensity and realism needed to prepare medics for battlefield conditions. With VR, military medical professionals can practice emergency procedures in simulated environments that replicate high-pressure situations they might encounter during combat. For instance, they can learn to treat traumatic injuries while managing stress and time constraints. This type of training not only enhances their technical skills but also builds their confidence in handling real-world emergencies effectively.

Vehicle operation and maintenance training

VR technology in the military is also making significant strides in the training of vehicle operators within the forces. Soldiers can engage in simulations that teach them how to operate various military vehicles under different conditions—whether it’s navigating through rough terrains or executing complex maneuvers during combat. Additionally, VR can be utilized for maintenance training, allowing soldiers to familiarize themselves with the inner workings of vehicles without the need for physical equipment. This hands-on experience enhances their understanding and prepares them for real-life maintenance tasks in the field.

Military VR and leadership development

Leadership is a crucial component of military operations, and military VR training offers innovative ways to develop leadership skills among service members. By placing individuals in simulated command positions during tactical exercises, VR leadership training allows them to practice decision-making and team management under pressure. Scenarios can be designed to challenge leaders with unexpected developments, requiring them to adapt their strategies quickly. This approach not only fosters critical thinking but also prepares future leaders for the complexities of modern military operations.

What benefits does virtual reality offer for military training?

In addition to the obvious advantages of cost reduction and trainer safety, VR also allows the early detection of errors and improves the training process by involving more of the senses. VR also provides a wealth of post-training data and statistics and, most importantly, allows military personnel to go through dangerous, life-threatening situations which are impossible to practice in real life. Furthermore, many different scenarios can be practiced during a single VR training session as resetting the scenario only takes a few moments of loading time. This saves both time and money for military units as soldiers can go through a wide range of exercises without moving between training centers. But that’s not all.

By using VR in the military, it is possible to:

• train for life-threatening situations,
• conduct active shooter training,
• simulate hostage situations,
• conduct medical training on the battlefield,
• train in realistic flight simulators,
• treat post-traumatic stress disorders,
• train in counterterrorism or negotiations.

Why is Virtual Reality for military training growing in popularity?

Simulated computer-based training has been relatively common throughout the military since as early as the 1980s because it provides soldiers and military personnel with the chance to train in a safe and controlled environment. Today, virtual reality is further expanding these opportunities by taking computer-based training to the next level.

Its popularity is driven primarily by its ability to provide an entirely realistic, immersive experience that perfectly mirrors everyday scenarios from the lives of ground troops, air force, navy, and special units. Virtual environments create the perfect conditions for military training. VR technology allows participants, i.e., soldiers, to experience specific situations in a controlled area and under monitored conditions. It guarantees trainees the possibility to improve their skills and test their aptitude in fast-paced situations that will prepare them for combat and national defense.

As technology continues to evolve, the future of military training will increasingly rely on advanced VR training systems that offer even more sophisticated simulations. The potential integration of biometric data collection could provide real-time feedback on soldiers’ physiological responses during training exercises, allowing for tailored coaching and skill development. Furthermore, as more militaries around the world adopt VR technologies, collaborative training exercises between allied forces could become common, enhancing interoperability and joint operational effectiveness.

One thing is for sure – today, digitalization affects almost every economic sector, including the military. The future of modern armies is going to be based on VR training tools as achievable technological advances continue to stimulate the smooth transition from hardware-based defense strategies to data-driven solutions.