On June 2, 2026, Mass Virtual delivered a comprehensive demonstration of its Virtual Aerial Systems Trainer (VAST) at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, marking a significant step forward in training modernization for the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and the broader Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) community. The event, hosted by the 17th Training Group (17 TRG), brought together leaders and technical representatives from multiple training squadrons, the Instructional Training Unit (ITU), and senior stakeholders across the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
The primary objective of the demonstration was to introduce AETC ISR leadership and training organizations to Mass Virtual’s immersive training capabilities and highlight how virtual reality (VR)-based solutions can enhance early operator familiarization, procedural proficiency, and system understanding. By leveraging VAST, trainees can gain valuable experience in a controlled, repeatable, and scalable environment before interacting with live systems, reducing risk and accelerating readiness.
Throughout the day, Mass Virtual conducted hands-on demonstrations for personnel from four training squadrons and the ITU, allowing participants to explore the potential applications of VR technology within their respective training pipelines. The event also showcased integration with the Army’s Integrated Environment for Weaponized Tactical Training and Preparedness (IEWTPT) Sceptre software, demonstrating how realistic operational conditions can be simulated and stimulated within a virtual environment. This capability underscored the potential for joint interoperability and collaboration between Army stakeholders, Air Force organizations, and industry partners.
In addition to squadron-level demonstrations, Mass Virtual engaged with senior leaders including Col Jason Gerber, 17 TRG Commander, CM Sgt Marcus Naranjo, Senior Enlisted Leader, Mr. Daniel Young, 17 TRG Training Director, and Clifton "Paul" Jackson, Chief of Faculty Development and ITU. These discussions focused on strengthening relationships, supporting modernization initiatives, and identifying opportunities to enhance training for fire-rescue and ISR professionals.
Technical representatives from multiple squadrons, including those responsible for SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT, Multi-Int, Imagery, HUMINT, and advanced intelligence courses, participated in the event. Their feedback was instrumental in shaping the way ahead for immersive training solutions.
The demonstration successfully highlighted the effectiveness of immersive VR training for ISR mission preparation and operator development. Participants noted the value of introducing scenarios to initial skills Airmen in a controlled environment, enabling them to build confidence and procedural knowledge before real-world exposure. The VAST platform was recognized as a promising tool for supporting early-stage operator development and reinforcing procedural knowledge.
Feedback from participants and leadership was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the potential for VR-based training solutions to improve training efficiency, increase student readiness, and provide scalable opportunities across multiple missions. Attendees also expressed interest in expanding content for ISR training and questioned the process for acquiring new content. As a result, Mass Virtual gained approval from Leidos to load VAST on ITU Lab stations, further supporting ongoing training needs.
Mass Virtual remains committed to partnering with Army and Air Force stakeholders to continue development and expansion of the VAST program. Future collaboration will focus on increasing training fidelity, expanding content development, and supporting operational readiness objectives across the ISR enterprise. These efforts will help position VAST as a viable long-term training solution and support consideration as a formal program of record, contributing to broader Department of Defense training transformation and modernization initiatives.
The demonstration at Goodfellow AFB represents a pivotal moment in advancing immersive training technologies and underscores Mass Virtual’s dedication to supporting the evolving needs of the ISR community.