US, Philippine Marines use virtual reality to train for combat

Photo By Cpl. Brianna Christensen | Philippine marines practice real-life scenarios using the Deployment Virtual Training Environment during Amphibious Landing Exercise 2012 at Fort Bonifacio, Republic of the Philippines, Oct. 19. The purpose of this training is to enhance the skills of the service members by allowing them to encounter different scenarios. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Brianna Turner)  

FORT BONIFACIO, PHILIPPINES

10.19.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Brianna Christensen 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

FORT BONIFACIO, Philippines — U.S. and Philippine service members in support of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2012 worked together to improve their combat readiness through a virtual reality computer program here, Oct. 19.

The program, dubbed “Virtual Battlespace 2,” is part of the Deployable Virtual Training Environment, which allows participants to simulate real-life scenarios on a computer.

“Virtual Battlespace 2 is a first person simulation that helps service members practice standard operating procedures and mission accomplishment,” said Brian T. Crocker, a DVTE simulation analyst and a Tucson, Ariz., native.

The virtual training allows the Philippine Marines to hone their skills without using valuable resources.

“One good thing about this program is that you can rehearse as many times as you want without using valuable equipment such as ammunition or fuel for convoys,” said Richard L. Evans, a DVTE analyst and a native of Menifee, Calif. “As long as you have electricity you can train as often as you need to.”

The program enables users to go on a virtual convoy where they will encounter a variety of scenarios, such as small arms fire or ambushes.

“Dealing with an ambush allows the users to practice their communication skills,” said Crocker. “This system helps mentally prepare service members. One of the hardest things to give a person is experience, but here we can give them real-life situations on a computer screen.”

The program has the option of using radio communications so that the rehearsals can be divided into separate rooms, according to Evans.

“The training can be divided into a control room, where a person can choose the terrain and what obstacles the convoy will encounter; and a training room, where the service members actually conduct training,” said Crocker. “This also helps them practice calling in to receive support.”

Once the virtual convoy is finished the program offers an after action report where users can not only see what mistakes they made but also statistics such as how much ammunition was used and the total number of casualties.

“We have a debrief after every convoy just like in real life, but the good thing about this program is that units can pause at any time to address a problem and move on,” said Crocker.

The Deployable Virtual Training Environment is just one of the ways U.S. and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are working together during this year's exercise.

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• Date Taken: 10.19.2011
• Date Posted: 10.20.2011 10:33
• Story ID: 78760
• Location: FORT BONIFACIO, PH