Military Training in Virtual Environments: User Interface Evaluations

Abstract

Infantry platoons from both the US Army and UK Army conducted small-unit exercises in a common terrain database using two game-based simulation (GBS) systems, the On-Line Interactive Virtual Environment (OLIVE™) and Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2™). After introductory training and a series of exercises in each GBS, Solders completed usability questionnaires addressing avatar characteristics, general fidelity, and the control operations in the graphical user interface. Following the complete series of exercises, Leaders and Soldiers also participated in guided interviews. Results suggest that US and UK Soldiers had similar opinions of both GBS systems. Both groups rated VBS2 higher on avatar characteristics and fidelity scales after exercises were completed. During the interviews, Leaders and Soldiers identified specific functions of each GBS that were useful, and described features that were difficult to use or unrealistic. Leaders and Soldiers also suggested that for military training and rehearsal a hybrid system should be developed that combines the best features of each GBS.