The U.S. Air Force is increasingly incorporating the video game Command: Professional Edition into its training and simulation arsenal to simulate real-world combat scenarios. With the rapid evolution of warfare, as evidenced by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, military leaders are continually seeking new ways to adapt their strategies. War games, which were once confined to top-level strategists, are now accessible to a wider range of personnel, offering them a practical and cost-effective approach to prepare for complex battle scenarios.
Unlike traditional military simulators developed by defense contractors, Command originated with independent game developers inspired by Tom Clancy novels. This simulation game allows users to strategize on a two-dimensional map, from low-cost maneuvers to fortified tactics, enhancing tactical planning and decision-making skills. Recently approved for use on secure Air Force networks, Command now operates within a controlled environment, ensuring that classified information remains secure. Matrix Games, the game’s developer, addressed security vulnerabilities before the Air Force included it on its Evaluated Products List, which permits deployment on protected systems.
The Department of Defense began working with Matrix Games in 2016, implementing Command in specific training exercises as early as 2017. Video games, once met with skepticism within military circles, are proving to be valuable for military readiness. Command offers tactical exercises without the high costs associated with large-scale simulations, such as the 2002 Millennium Challenge. This exercise involved thousands of troops and significant logistical resources and drew criticism for its high resource demands and the restrictions placed on opposing teams to produce expected outcomes. In contrast, Command allows Air Force personnel to experiment with multiple strategies without extensive field requirements.
The Air Force’s adaptation of video games in military training methods aligns with a generation of recruits and personnel familiar with gaming. Modern weapon systems are increasingly controlled by devices that resemble gaming controllers, which boosts hand-eye coordination among troops. Many recruits now come to the military with a background in video gaming, making these simulation tools highly relevant to their skillsets.
Beyond the U.S. Air Force, Command is also used by Taiwan, the United Kingdom’s Strategic Command, and DARPA for their strategic exercises. As the U.S. military transitions its focus from counterinsurgency to preparing for potential peer-to-peer conflicts, Command and similar games provide a low-risk, adaptable training method that meets evolving defense requirements, allowing military personnel to rehearse various scenarios in a secure environment.
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1955 – the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago had a hands on exhibit which allowed visitors to ‘shoot down’ targets on a roughly 12×12 foot screen. The target flashed and you ‘moved’ to the location and shot the target before it disappeared. Points were awarded. If I recall correctly the USAF was using it to find air gunners. I did fairly well. I enlisted in the USAF in 1961and they made me a medic :),