Emerging and Disruptive Technology as Multiplier for Military Training: Exploring the Development of a Hybrid Synthetic Training Environment

Emerging and disruptive technologies, such as immersive training technologies, create new opportunities and transform industries by introducing innovative ways to learn, work, and interact. Currently, Extended Reality (XR) technologies including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) are transforming military training by offering interactive and immersive simulations to create training scenarios. By employing immersive training technology, trainees can gain hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment that enhances their tactical skills, situational awareness, and decision-making abilities. This article explores the implementation of immersive training technologies alongside commercial off-the-shelf solutions (COTS, gaming software) such as DrillsVR, Gun Disassembly, and virtual simulation systems such as VirtualBattlespace3/VirtualBattlespace4 (VBS3/VBS4) to develop a Hybrid Synthetic Training Environment that supports the need for military training. The primary focus was to explore the effectiveness of XR technology in training sessions with that of traditional training methods, highlighting benefits such as cost savings, flexibility in training, and improved operational combat readiness. The findings advocate the integration of XR technology and COTS to modernize military education and create more flexible and effective training sessions designed to meet specific goals.