Summary

Virtual soldiers is basically an effort by Hollywood to help

the military produce better soldiers. Yesterday, special effects experts

at the University of Southern Cal, were asked to develop a

computerized program designed to train soldiers in virtual reality.

The simulated real life programs “will include battle scenarios,

primers on topography and culture of military destinations, and even

simulations in which troops en route to combat zones might wear

virtual-reality helmets to train for an upcoming mission.” Compared

to the entertainment industry side of special effects and

computer-generated graphics, the military has a lot of ground to

cover before attaining the same level of technology.

The soldiers train in a simulator that measures 6 feet by 4

feet, “but entertainment technology might help reduce the size.” By

working with each other, the military and the entertainment industry

will be able to share ideas and in turn create new ideas. This

interaction will hopefully lead to more true-to-life story lines, giving

troops valuable battle-like experiences before exposing them to the

real thing.

Bibliography

Dallas Morning News

by Jim Aikins

Word Count: 173