Training “Shoot House” Tactics Using a Game

Abstract

Since the time of Ed Link, interactive simulators that replicated the critical components of the task and its environment have been cornerstones of highly specialized task training, such as pilot training. Today commercial off-the-shelf games promise similar realism. Yet, because of the dissimilarity between the traditional gaming interface and actual human motor activities, games have had only limited application to training where human motor skills are the dominant means of propulsion through manipulation of, and communications within, the environment. This research explores the possibility of expanding the paradigm of using games with traditional interfaces for these serious tasks. Specifically this research evaluates the training transfer associated with the game Close Combat: First to Fight™ as part of a “shoot house” training regime for Marine Corps infantry. The research explores whether or not traditional field training is equivalent to field training combined with virtual training. Results include the measurements of the subjects' objective performance in live training and self assessment questionnaires.