Virtual Army Experience - Overview

Overview

The VAE allows visitors the opportunity to “test drive” soldiering in a mission drawn from actual Army operations. The core of the 19,500-square-foot (1,810 m2) VAE is the America’s Army computer game, mentioned above. the exhibit is rendered with state-of-the-art Army training simulation technology to create a life-size, networked virtual environment. In the 20-minute ride, participants receive video briefings by soldiers who span the expertise, backgrounds and personal goals of typical soldiers. The VAE highlights select soldier occupations, Army technologies, operating environments and missions, within a brief, intense, information-rich lesson; this immerses visitors in key aspects of soldiering. Participants employ teamwork, rules of engagement, leadership and high-tech equipment as they take part in a virtual U.S. Army mission. The experience "is fun and interactive ... while effectively telling a brand story of teamwork, honor and respect," says Drew Neisser, CEO of Renegade, an experiential marketing agency. "Commercial clients should try to replicate this model ... which gives users a realistic view of what the brand is about."

The VAE can be delivered in its full scale rendition, or may be broken down into two smaller versions, enabling it to travel to a diverse range of events simultaneously. In all, there are four traveling packages that offer indoor/outdoor experiences and allow the VAE to travel year round across the United States. In two years, the VAE has traveled to over 40 states, at a wide variety of locales including NASCAR races, Six Flags Amusement Parks, State Fairs, Spring Break festivities, Music Festivals, Air Shows and Urban Expos. It cost $9.8 million a year to operate the exhibits.