Khalil A. Rahsheed
Kevin Schreiber
ET 2202
07 May 2011
The use of Computers in Military Training
Computer Based Instruction
Using computer games as a method of training is now well established but has yet prove to be an effective aid in acquiring various military skills. CMI or computer managed instruction and CAI or computer assisted instructions, which were part of studies conducted by the Institute for Defense Analysis of, Arlington, VA. , these were studies that seem to show contradictory results; with the results varying with the various participants. But the military is attempting to teach military skills in a safe environment; which is a commendable aspiration. One Such skill that might not come to mind immediately is negotiation. “BiLat" is a game that simulates interaction between local leaders and officials in Iraq, during talks and get-togethers. This game attempts to teach practical interaction skills between our soldiers and civilians who are under their authority, an invaluable skill. "Operation Flashpoint Red River" from Codemasters, is a gaming system which has been distributed to over a 100 different locations around the globe. Among other tactics one game was designed to teach ambushed convoys how to protect themselves better in the event of an ambush. Another in the series attempts to give participants a realistic experience from an infantryman’s perspective. "Virtual Battlespace" or VBS is a series of games that attempt to teach various military skills as well. One of which is a virtual helicopter simulation game. This game is used in conjunction with an actual helicopter simulator to teach pilots with realistic scenarios and conditions. "Nuerosky" and “Mindflex” from Mattel are examples of computer games which demonstrate an exciting new development not only in gaming and military technology but for technology in general. In these games the player’s Electroencephalography, which is the electrical activity along a person’s scalp, operates the game via a headset. In other words, the player’s thoughts operate the functions of the game rather than a joystick or keyboard. While this type of technology is exciting and highly anticipated, the military doesn't expect to implement this type of technology any time in the near future. In the words of Arthur C. Clarke “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
References:
. <http://www.adlnet.gov/Technologies/Evaluation/Library/White%20Papers/What%20Have%20We%20Learned%20About%20Computer-Based%20Instruction%20in%20Military%20Training.pdf>.
Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarke's_three_laws>.
"February 2011." ONE STOP INFO. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.cituzones.co.cc/2011_02_01_archive.html>.
"Mattel.com : Makers of Barbie and Other Popular Dolls." AboutUs: Easy-To-Understand Tools & Resources For SEO & Web Marketing. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.aboutus.org/Mattel.com>.
Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroencephalography>.
Web. <Institute for Defense Analysis, Arlington, VA.>.
