Photo By Jerry Merideth | The Army’s new Esports trailer includes exterior screens where visitors can monitor...... read more read more
Using a mix of innovation and cutting edge design, the Mission Support Battalion (MSB) continues efforts to launch the Army’s newest rolling displays, punctuated by the roll-out of the much-awaited Army Esports Semi and Esports Trailer, in April and May.
MSB’s efforts to add new exhibits and upgrade technology in its mobile fleet are designed to support U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) and Reserve U.S. Army Cadet Command by providing a platform to engage prospects and influencers, according to MSB Commander Lt. Col. David Eckley.
In just minutes, visitors are provided with an immersive Army experience in one of the battalion’s 18 semis and trailers.
“It’s some sort of simulation, a hands-on engagement, or a virtual reality experience that allows recruiters and prospects to start a conversation about Army service,” Eckley said. “The more relative that immersive experience is – meaning the technology is current, it’s interesting and it’s memorable – if we can hit those things then we are enhancing the local recruiter’s ability to generate leads and contracts.”
The MSB is part of the Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The brigade was assigned to USAREC in late 2018. As part of the move, the MSB gains an Outreach Company that includes the Esports, Functional Fitness and Music Outreach teams.
The Esports semi launches in April, designed for remote gaming with internet connectivity to allow online play.
“There are eight chairs in the Esports Semi with the latest gaming systems and gaming computers,” Eckley said. “The idea for the Army’s new Esports team is to use the semi to compete wherever they are going. Or it could be used to host the final round of a gaming competition at a high school or college with an Esports program.”
Details regarding where the Esports Semi will debut are pending.
In addition to the semi, the Esports Trailer hits the road in May with four gaming stations inside for participants to compete in the top games on the latest video game consoles. The trailer may be requested to support accessions events through the event marketing management (EMM) system.
Mission Support Battalion innovation doesn’t stop with Esports. Other rolling displays planned for development include two functional fitness trailers. The Army’s functional fitness team is already training at its new base, a veritable bastion of workout machines, kettle bells and free weights within the MSB footprint.
A third science, technology, engineering and math mobile asset launched earlier this year. The STEM semi features an interactive scenario where participants navigate their way through an environmental disaster using a futuristic, four-legged robot called “SARAH” (Search and Rescue Autonomous Hybrid). Room one of the new STEM Experience has been redesigned to showcase technology at use today by the Army.
Another new addition to the MSB inventory is the interactive “Decide to Lead” exhibit previously developed through the Army Marketing and Research Group. The “Decide to Lead” asset features scenario where participants’ decisions guide a military convoy. The asset debuts at DECA’s International Career Development conference, April 27-30 in Orlando, Florida. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
Meanwhile, construction and upgrades of MSB assets will continue, according to Eckley.
“What our exhibits provide to the local recruiters is a reason to bring together prospects to have an immersive experience,” Eckley said. “What’s unique about what we can do that other recruiting battalions can’t is that we can provide that immersion.
“Recruiters are there to do the recruiting piece because that’s the whole purpose of the trailer – why it was designed and built, to convince the next generation to serve.”
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2019 09:11 |
| Story ID: | 316452 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, KY, US |
| Web Views: | 220 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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