The Growing Role (And Concern) Of Video Games In The U.S. Military

U.S. soldiers play computer games on a television set at the recreational hall of a U.S. military Camp Marez in Mosul, 390 km (240 miles) north of Baghdad January 30, 2009. REUTERS/Erik de Castro

The Future Of Video Games In The Military -- Colin Campbell, Polygon

Since the launch of America's Army in 2002, the military has drastically increased its use of games to attract new recruits, train soldiers and treat those returning from war.

Corey Mead, assistant professor of English at CUNY's Baruch College, and author of "War Play: Video Games and the Future of Armed Conflict" believes the U.S military's use of games is likely to increase, but that there is a danger of relying too heavily on simulations.

In an interview with NPR he talked about games like Tactical Iraqi which taught troops how to interact with locals during the war in Iraq. Over a two-week playing period players learned basic language skills and useful cultural lessons.

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My Comment: After yesterday's shooting it is not a surprise to find people asking questions on the role and influence that video games may have on some vets .... especially after reading stories like this one .... Washington gunman Aaron Alexis heard 'voices in head' after playing violent video games up to 18 hours a day -- Mirror