Virtual Reality in Action: Advancing Military Training Techniques

December 20th, 2023

Welcome to our insightful series, where we dive into the transformative impact of Virtual Reality (VR) in modernizing military training. This installment presents a deep dive into how VR technology is reshaping the way military personnel are trained, offering a glimpse into the future of defense training methodologies.

Overview:

This episode features an insightful dialogue among a varied panel from both public and private sectors, focusing on the use of virtual reality (VR) in military training. Experienced individuals, including current and former members of the U.S. Air Force and Army, offer their insights on the integration of VR within the Department of Defense (DoD). They discuss strategies for overcoming challenges and encouraging wider adoption of VR technology in military contexts.

Key topics include:

Overcoming hurdles to gain Authority to Operate (ATO)
Navigating the complexities of developing VR solutions for the DoD
Achieving a return on investment by updating training methods
Effectively utilizing DoD funding cycles for VR initiatives

This segment provides a compelling overview of the current state and potential future of VR in military training. It is an essential watch for those interested in the intersection of technology and defense, offering a unique window into how VR is set to revolutionize military training paradigms.

Presenters

Bob Cooney: Virtual Reality Expert, Innovator, and Thought Leader
Bob Cooney is renowned as a visionary in virtual reality, an accomplished author, futurist, and seasoned entrepreneur. With a track record of founding and successfully exiting nine startups, including an Inc. 500 CEO title and a NASDAQ IPO, Bob has been a pivotal figure in the VR industry. Over the past 25 years, he has played a key role in educating VR professionals, suppliers, and operators globally, sharing his extensive knowledge and foresight in the field.

Daryl Roy: Veteran, CEO and VR Pioneer at 3D Media
Daryl Roy, a U.S. Army veteran and energy sector professional, co-founded 3D Media with a mission to revolutionize training systems. His personal experience of a colleague’s loss due to inadequate training fueled his passion for enhancing training quality. Daryl, a graduate of Nicholls State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Management), is dedicated to improving leadership decision-making by integrating VR and AR into people, processes, and data.

Michael Meyer: F-22 Instructor and Military Innovator at USAF
Michael Meyer brings over 11 years of dedicated military service, with a deep expertise in developmental and operational testing, as well as daily military operations. Serving as an Air Education and Training Command instructor, he is instrumental in training Airmen to become skilled Aircraft Armament Technicians. His focus is on advancing the use of XR technologies within the Department of the Air Force.

CJ Hale: Program Director and Retired USAF Officer at HTX Labs
CJ Hale, a retired USAF Acquisition Officer, boasts a 21-year career marked by diverse experiences in operational and test environments, program management, manufacturing, and quality assurance. He is recognized for his diplomatic expertise, including his role as a Liaison to the U.S. State Department and U.S. Embassy in Iraq, specializing in international affairs and security cooperation. His current role involves leading program initiatives and integrating advanced technologies into training and development.