VR military training - Revolution in defense training

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Mario

Ramic

•

CEO

The article highlights how VR military training enhances realism, safety, and preparedness through immersive simulations, from combat to medical scenarios. VR is revolutionizing global military training, making it a vital tool for modern readiness.

A soldier wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset participates in a cutting-edge VR military simulation, highlighting the immersive potential of modern training technologies. The individual, clad in military attire, is engaged in VR military training designed to prepare personnel for complex and high-stakes operations. The glowing circle in the background symbolises the futuristic and innovative nature of VR simulation in defence applications. This VR training setup enables soldiers to experience lifelike combat scenarios, strategic operations, and decision-making exercises in a controlled, risk-free environment. By leveraging VR simulation, military forces can enhance skill development, improve reaction times, and increase situational awareness without the logistical challenges of traditional training methods. The image represents how VR military training is transforming the preparation of service members, ensuring they are equipped to handle diverse operational demands with confidence. The integration of VR simulations into defence strategies underscores its role as a vital tool in modern military readiness.

1) Benefits of VR military training

Introduction
Natural movement and muscle memory
Real situations. No risk.
Cost savings
Measurable performance

2) Types of VR military training

Virtual Squad Training Simulations (VSTS)
Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)
Equipment - maintenance and assembly
Advanced vehicle simulators
PTSD Recovery

3) Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Virtual Reality has had a long history in the military
VR training is incredibly efficient and well-researched
VR military training allows for major cost savings while putting trainees in real simulations while reducing risk, the effect is a measurable performance boost.
There are different types of VR training that can be utilized.
The most popular types of VR training are VSTS, TCCC, equipment maintenance and assembly training and vehicle simulators.

Benefits of VR military training

It is already common knowledge that VR training is the most effective training method for most types of jobs and applications. This is especially true for VR military training.

But first, let’s break down what virtual reality is, how it is used for training, and how it came to be used by the defence industry.

The earliest origins of VR date back to the 1960’s. However, already in 1979. McDonnell-Douglas Corporation integrated the first VR into head-mounted displays for the military with their VITAL helmet.

During these early times, the technology was at a very nascent stage of development. The major breakthroughs came around the early 2010’s when the Oculus Rift brought about a new excitement for VR headsets and created a new product category.

Since then, militaries worldwide have adopted virtual reality for a range of applications, from use in active combat to use in strategic planning, however, in this article we will be exploring how and why they have used VR for training.

Training remains one of the most important and lucrative areas of Virtual Reality. It has been proven through countless studies that VR training is the most reliable method of education. As such, VR education has become a must-have activity with most forward-looking organisations.

This is even more true for the defence industry. Due to its specificities, the defense industry is a perfect candidate for the adoption of VR training technology. Military situations often require a simulation of actual combat which can be very tricky to implement if not in a real combat situation.

Additionally, this industry is known for having complex and expensive machines, the maintenance and assembly of which can be of crucial importance in actual combat situations. This is why quick and reliable training is crucial. But also, training that gives the trainees confidence to apply what they have learnt in real situations.

This is exactly what was shown in a recent HTC-lead study.

80% of active-duty military trainers who used VR for training reported an increase in their crew's confidence (source: HTC,Technology magazine)

Apart from increasing confidence, VR training was directly shown to directly increase task performance and to reduce training time significantly.

Benefits of VR military training

There are many benefits of VR military training. In the following section, we will outline just some of them, which we believe are the most important ones.

Natural movement and muscle memory

VR offers a way for trainees to train with real movements and develop muscle memory in doing the tasks in the process. This is similar to the way professional athletes train. This is especially pronounced recently with the rise of standalone headsets such as the Meta Quest series. By using these devices, trainees can freely move in space while participating in a simulated environment.

Real situations. No risk.

The ability of virtual reality military training to accurately simulate real combat situations without putting trainees at risk is unmatched by any other technology or method. For example, the US Army has simulated a Middle-Eastern environment in VR-based VSTS training from the safety and comfort of their base in Hawaii.

Cost savings

Being able to replicate complex situations in virtual reality naturally brings about significant cost savings. This is due to a lower need to rely on physical assets when simulating environments.

Measurable performance

VR allows us to appraise the performance of a trainee in real-time while they are conducting the exercise. This feedback then allows for more accurate analysis of the success of the simulation/training exercise and the discovery of potential areas in need of improvement.

A group of soldiers, equipped with advanced combat gear and augmented reality-enabled visors, prepares for VR military training. The image portrays a modern approach to enhancing operational readiness through VR military simulation, where personnel can immerse themselves in virtual environments replicating complex battle scenarios. The soldier in focus exemplifies the integration of cutting-edge technology into training, wearing a headset designed to provide real-time tactical insights and situational awareness. This VR simulation equips troops with the tools to practise strategic manoeuvres, refine teamwork, and improve decision-making in realistic, risk-free conditions. By incorporating VR training into military exercises, forces can simulate diverse scenarios—from urban warfare to large-scale combat operations—enhancing both individual and unit performance. This image underscores the pivotal role of VR military simulation in preparing soldiers for the multifaceted challenges of modern-day combat.

Types of VR military training

VSTS (Virtual Squad Training Simulations)

The US Army uses VSTS (virtual squad training simulations) which include virtual objects in the training. These can range from mixed and augmented reality to full virtual reality. The US Army uses a combination of HMD’s and full body tracking to fully immerse the trainees into combat situations during the training. Controllers which mimic the shape, weight and size of real weapons are also used to improve the accuracy of the training.
(Source: US Army)

These simulations can mentally transport trainees into a combat environment without placing them in direct danger. Weather conditions can be simulated as well as the cultural and geographical specificities of certain environments.

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)

Situations where emergency medical care needs to be applied are some of the most stressful situations a soldier can experience during combat. These situations are also incredibly hard to replicate in training. With Virtual Reality, the trainees can be fully exposed to the highly uncomfortable medical situations one may experience during combat in a safe environment with constant performance feedback. This is crucial as the TCCC process quickly becomes “muscle memory” and once this type of situation is encountered in combat, the response becomes much more standardized, even in emotionally challenging situations. Covered skills can include battlefield triage, specific trauma treatment, helicopter rescue and tactical rescue procedures.

The Chinese military has been using VR-based training systems for this purpose. In a piece of research published by Qin et. al., 2024 it is outlined how the Chinese military used TCCC training for musculoskeletal trauma. They have noted an impressive 96.67% satisfaction rate with the experience.

A virtual reality (VR) military simulation depicts a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training scenario. The image shows a simulated wounded soldier lying on a stretcher, surrounded by a VR-rendered medical environment. A pair of virtual hands demonstrates the application of medical care, reflecting the immersive capabilities of VR military training. Another individual, possibly a trainee or instructor, observes the scenario, highlighting the collaborative potential of VR simulation exercises. This VR training setup provides military personnel with an opportunity to practice life-saving techniques in high-pressure, combat-like conditions without the risks associated with real-world medical scenarios. By simulating realistic environments and injuries, VR military training enhances the readiness and confidence of medics and soldiers in handling battlefield casualties. The use of VR military simulations ensures that trainees develop critical skills in a controlled, repeatable setting, improving their decision-making and response times during emergencies. This image highlights the pivotal role of VR training in advancing military preparedness and operational effectiveness.

Equipment - maintenance and assembly

As with most industries, VR military training has shown incredible potential in teaching trainees how to assemble and maintain equipment.

The use cases for this are of course, as diverse as the equipment that needs maintenance and assembly or advanced training to use. And we all know the defence industry is full of complex and expensive machinery.

There are countless examples of virtual reality being used for this purpose by militaries all over the world.

For example, the US Marine Corps use VR for maintenance training. The Marines stated that: “By simulating real-world conditions, VR training can prepare Marines for the challenges they might face in the field. “ The Marine Corps have noted that they observed higher efficiency and readiness levels. However, the biggest benefit they found was a significant reduction in downtime and costs compared to not using virtual reality. (Source: US Marine Corps)

A member of the U.S. Air Force participates in VR military training, wearing a virtual reality headset and using handheld controllers. The service member is fully immersed in a simulated environment designed for enhancing defence readiness. VR military training allows personnel to practice essential skills and tactics in safe, controlled virtual settings, minimizing risks associated with traditional training methods. This cutting-edge VR defence training provides lifelike scenarios, enabling individuals to develop critical decision-making abilities, improve operational awareness, and rehearse complex procedures. The soldier's engagement with advanced technology reflects the growing integration of virtual reality training in modern defence programmes. By incorporating VR military training into routine exercises, armed forces enhance their preparedness for diverse operational challenges. From aviation simulations to battlefield operations, VR defence training ensures readiness without the logistical or physical risks of real-world environments. This image underscores how virtual reality training is reshaping the landscape of military readiness and innovation.

Advanced vehicle simulators

Another great way in which VR is used in military settings are advanced vehicle simulators. These exist for ground, naval and air vehicles as well as other machinery.

These can range from very advanced simulators that fully mimic the control mechanisms of the real vehicle to more abstract experiences focusing on the environment or scenario more than the navigational precision.

A great example of this is the French Air Force who have been using a VR simulator for helicopter pilot training. The system compiles drone-captured visual data into geospatial maps which can then be used for training. You can read more about it here.

A VR military simulation illustrates a ground vehicle training scenario, showcasing a virtual model of a tactical military vehicle on a simulated desert roadway. The simulation includes an overhead map view, enabling real-time navigation and situational awareness. This VR vehicle simulation is designed to train personnel in operating military vehicles under diverse and challenging conditions. Through VR military training, drivers and crew members gain critical experience in handling tactical vehicles in environments that mimic real-world combat zones. The immersive nature of this VR training ensures trainees can practice navigation, decision-making, and operational procedures without risking physical assets or personnel safety. This VR vehicle simulation reflects the transformative role of virtual reality in military operations, allowing forces to rehearse convoy tactics, manoeuvres, and threat responses with precision. By integrating VR military simulation into their training programmes, armed forces can enhance readiness, efficiency, and effectiveness in mission-critical scenarios.

PTSD recovery

We were unsure if we should include PTSD recovery into this list as this is not necessarily training, it is a widely recognized therapy. We ultimately decided to include PTSD recovery as it functions very similarly to VR training. The patient experiences simulation scenarios connected to their time in the military.

There has been extensive research conducted on the benefits of using virtual reality for PTSD therapy. For example Cukor et. al. 2009 have noted significant and noticeable improvements in patients who have undergone VRGET (Virtual Reality Graded Exposure Therapy).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology into military training represents a significant leap forward in the preparation of armed forces for modern combat scenarios. By providing immersive, cost-effective, and safe environments for training, VR equips soldiers with the skills and resilience needed for real-world operations.

As hardware and AI-driven applications continue to evolve, VR is poised to become an indispensable tool for developing agile, well-prepared forces capable of meeting the demands of 21st-century warfare.

Globally, VR is shaping collaborative military efforts and fostering interoperability among nations, ensuring that military forces worldwide can train effectively and operate cohesively. As this technology progresses, it not only strengthens national security but also upholds the ethical imperative of preparing service members with precision and care. Virtual reality is not just a training tool; it is the future of military preparedness.

If you are interested in creating a VR experience for the military industry, contact us, as VR experts, we would love to help!