Military VR: Applications of AR VR in Military Training

AR and VR-backed tactical military training will revolutionize how soldiers process data and instructions to execute operations in combat missions. The military also benefits from reduced training spending and lower soldier mortality rates.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have ushered in a new world of learning across industries. Military training is no different when it comes to leveraging AR and VR.

However, their pivotal role in the military often goes under the radar. AR and VR-backed tactical military training is revolutionizing how soldiers process data and instructions to execute operations in combat missions. The military also benefits from reduced training spending and lower soldier mortality rates.

In this blog, we dive deep into the growing significance of Military VR and AR in the armed forces, exploring how they prepare for a new era of training and readiness. 

But before everything else, we have the statistics to do the talking.

Key Statistical Data for AR and VR in Military Spends

The US Defence Department spends around $14 billion annually on synthetic digital training, which amounts to 2% of the total US military spending in a year. (Deolitte)

The spending on VR is approximately

• $6.4 billion in the US
• $5.1 billion in the Asia Pacific region 
• $3 billion in Europe, Middle East and Africa combined. 
• The US Army has signed a US$21.88 billion deal with Microsoft for the supply of 120,000 plus HoloLens AR headset-based devices.

Applications of AR/VR in Military Training

The defense and military sectors were among the first to understand and deploy AR and VR technologies and have integrated them as strategic military training tools.

1. Situational and Immersive Boot Camp Experiences

Multi-sensory VR experiences can create a digital training environment for Situational Awareness and Experience.

Soldiers are exposed to harsh environments, rugged terrains, and activities with the use of multi-sensory virtual reality experiences that offer locational and combative context and prepare them for any war-like situation.

The Benefit

AR and VR deployment in military boot camp training showcases operations in hostile areas like jungle interiors, snow-covered mountains, rivers, oceans, deserts, and even the skies. It teaches soldiers critical skills like teamwork, survival, and adaptability.

Also read: Potential of Virtual Reality in Aviation and Aerospace Industry

2. Developing Strategies for Tactical Missions

VR can be used to develop skills in strategic and lifesaving decisions in war zones.

Multi-user combat system networks are critical to a successful mission. AR and VR replicate such situations in a virtual environment and allow military commanders to develop real-time collaboration and strategic thought skills in critical missions.

The Benefit

Helps foster leadership traits, teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to execute with the presence of mind.

3. Vehicle and Flight Simulations

VR can be used to enhance driving and navigation skills through sensory experiences like touch and feel.

VR can be effectively applied to vehicle and flight simulations to train soldiers in handling fighter planes, submarines, and ground vehicles, without even stepping into one and yet equip them with better driving, flying, and navigation skills.

VR training enables even sensory experiences. Trainees can experience the disorientation of parachuting off an aircraft or even the closed and cramped conditions of armored vehicles. VE-enabled sense of touch allows pilots to touch and feel switches and controls in the cockpit.

The Benefit

The innovative immersive training module exposes the trainees to actual activities to develop better driving and navigation abilities.

4. Medical Applications in Military Training

Medics are exposed to training in combat zones.

In the traditional setup, medics were not trained in field conditions. But, with VR, doctors can be thrust into war-like zones, where they can hone and develop skills in hostile conditions. VR can also be used to treat anxiety symptoms in recruits or PTSD in soldiers.

The Benefit

Medics under training can now gain a level of expertise and insight into field-like conditions, making them battle-ready.

VR can offer an immersive, authentic experience, like none other, at a lesser cost and imparts valuable lessons in teamwork, critical mission strategies, and survival skills.

Expenses vs. Benefits

VR allows military personnel to undertake a vast range of simulations without the associated costs, thus massively reducing training budgets.

There is enormous potential to scale up training in the defense sector that requires cutting-edge precision and practical training. The application of VR in military training can produce soldiers who are better prepared psychologically and strategically.

Cost-Effective: Reduces costs associated with sending trainees to various locations for training.

Time-Saving and Efficient: On-site, on-demand customized training enables a greater outreach in a lesser period

Connects Instantly: The current generation consumes digital content more easily

Comprehensive Learning and Safer:  Immersive, 360-degree situations offer life-like combat experiences which boost critical skill development and provide a safe training environment.

Concerns and Solutions

There have been some concerns raised about adopting virtual reality in defense. The chart below encapsulates the key considerations and possible solutions to allow for a more open-minded approach to VR adoption.

The Scope of AR and VR in Military Training

The inclination of the armies to incorporate AR and VR in military training finds resonance with the data estimates of the AR market for the military sector, which is estimated to reach US$ 1,797.5 million by the end of 2025.

AR and VR in military training offer life-like created simulations for a wide range of military training needs. They can help armies across the world build safer ecosystems for soldiers while ensuring mission success.

And at the epicenter of these technological advancements and simulation-led reforms is KOMPANIONS. Armed with cutting-edge technology and unmatched experience, As a leading industrial AR/VR company, KOMPANIONS is constantly innovating with the practices of VR in military training.