Monday, March 22, 2010

Blog 26 - 3/22-10

Welcome Back!

I hope you guys had a great Spring Break. I know I did.

I think I can make the next 49 days. Hopefully with some semblance of grace and dignity.

Anywho, this week I want to continue to look at video technology. In particular, I would like to discuss how the military uses this technology.

Please read the article and give me an opinion. Alternately, you can find your own article on video game technology being used in the military and comment on it. Just please make sure you post the link.

Talk to me . . .

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4266106.html

74 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, I kind of already knew about the technology. I think it's a very good idea and it is true that the gaming industry is more willing to spend money in investments for improvements than the department they were relying on. It doesn't make much sense, seeing as how one was for defense and the other is for entertainment.

I found reading the comments was interesting though, especially seeing former military dudes confirming "yea, this is true yo", but more specifically the mouse + keyboard vs. controller arguement. They're saying the controller is faster, but if the PC game you're playing isn't totally retarded, you can change your view instantly by using the correct mouse buttons.. Gawd. Get it right.

Sampietro, M-3 said...

I think that it's just a really cool idea to have soldiers train with the use of video games. It's the closest they'll come to what they really will experience in the future of their careers, since they can't actually practice shooting real people. HOWEVER, I would not go so far as to say that the gamers (aka kids who sit wide-eyed for hours on end in a dark room shooting the bad guys with a chunk of plasitc in hand) of today are the protectors of our country tomorrow. Still though, I think tis technology is awesome, mainly because I think it's cool to use something that has gotten a bad rep for something that can be a benefit to us all.

reichert, s-3 said...

I thing this technology is very usefull. Not only does it keep our troops safer but it erases some wory from the famlies. My dad has also told me about a special video game-like training simulator (i'm not sure what is's called) where you have an actual gun (anything from pistol to machine gun to even grenades and rocket launchers)and you "shoot" at a giant screen that is displaying a mission with bad-guys that you must eliminate. Needless to say it's pretty cool

Deckard, D-3 said...

I never expect the military to use video games products. I always thought that that would be easier for some soldier but didn't actually expect them to do it. And personally, at least video game wise, i could see myself doing alot of this with a controller that could help out our armed forces. I think they should make unmaned aircrafts that can be controlled by game controllers, now that would be awesome.

Pina, R-2 said...

Wow, that is so cool that they can controll robots and fly UAVs all by using an xbox or wii controller. This is a pretty sweet step in videogame tech.

Pixley, J-4 said...

With advances like these coming up, and the scientific improvements in robotics, we may soon have non-human soldiers controlled by humans hundreds of miles away. Can't wait to see what they come up with next.

Miller, J - 2 said...

i really like the Xbox controller being used in the military i mean i try to play computer games but the key boored and mouse is difficult to use and the controller is faster and responeds better

liber,k-6 said...

I think its cool because its becoming more modern and it will be helpful to learn in advance when your just trying to have fun in video games to the real world in the military when you can actually control real stuff and help the country out

chitopina-2 said...

The xbox controller seems like a very good idea because most young men enjoy playing video games so they will be familiar with the new technology they are using. It is incredible to think that we are advancing towards flying planes with just a joy stick so pretty soon expert COD players will be going to the military to play with the video game technology while also using it to help find bombs and other dangerous things during faced with during the war

bushiey, k - 4 said...

Since i love playing my Xbox 360 and my Wii i think using the controls are pretty awesome. Also that the thumbsticks have made it this far and are in almost every popular gaming system. Since the consules are made way different i think its cool that at least one part of the old controller is sstill around.

Jim Taylor said...

This reminds me of that movie Gamer. We could eventually use this technology to control human-like robots and bring the casualty count to zero... well it would cost a lot of money, but its worth the cost.

Tutt, S - 7 said...

I'm a gamer and enjoy playing every gaming system that I can get my hands on. I would LOVE to work in the army for these guys and do this for a living I actually think I could make a living in this.

Fedun, M-7 said...

This is neat how that the military is using technology familiar to the young people to train them in the future. This would save some money on training and would allow soldiers to do more jobs.

Crenshaw, K - 7 said...

this is awesome all you have to do now to be in the army is to know how to play video games or use an xbox 360 controller that is sweet i would love to be able to play games for a living

Baker,M-1 said...

Mrs. L, I swear there was a movie that had something to do with this. Meh, i forget.

I think this is really cool. I mean, who doesnt play video games (I will get them professional help). Only problem is it might, might, give geeks like me to play video games non-stop. XP

Gonzalez, C-1 said...

See, this is the kind of things that I could use to convince my mom that playing video games isn't totally a waste of time. Same with my sister. I never knew that they actually used game tech for military training and technology. I wouldn't say that the actual transition between video game and real life training would be easy. I see that it helps running scenarios as to the best choices for what someone would need to do under certain circumstances, but it is very different when you are actually out in combat and you are forced to take a life. Its not as easy as 1,2,3. It is very, very hard. I can't say that I've done it but I've been forced to take down certain animals at the sake of my own life, and it was pretty difficult taking a living creatures life away. It gives the "gamers" an idea of what to expect if they actually join the army but as you can figure some aren't all that physically fit, and as I said before, the transition would be very difficult.

Trikosko, M-1 said...

Makes sense. Some soldiers are used to using a controller and these things are made to be easy to pick up and use, so why not? But I don't think using a wiimote to difuse a bomb would be the best idea...

Szu-yung said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Szu-yung said...

This technology is awesome and they should pull ppl that play video games alot or ppl that r good at video games to the military

Brookshire, B-1 said...

The Army useing X-box controllers to operate robots or gun turrets is really neat. Since most people now days are gamers, this technology will be great for upcomeing recruits.

robinson,s-1 said...

When my brother was in basic training, i remember him telling me something about a training video game he had to do. I dont remember what all he said about it, but i do remember thinking it was pretty cool that these games and simulations are part of his training. And then i remember asking myself if i trusted a game to train him in actual combat. I dont think i trusted the game at the time, but after reading and learning more about it i actually think its a pretty cool concept.

Last year i watched something on TV that had to do with the Army and video games as well. The Army has started to use video games to help with recruiting new volunteers. The game is supposed to give the player a feeling of what it would be like to be in combat and work on a mission with an actual team. I thought it was kinda cool...here's the link

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/26/AR2005052601505.html

Lopez, M-1~☺ said...

So the military is using vid-tech for battle? That's the awesomest thing I have ever read about~

I don't know really, I think that I would be really bad at it. Interesting that how gaming is actually comes in handy now a days. I wonder how many gamers out here would love to be in the military now...

jeffress,r-1 said...

I knew that eventually video games would be used in the army or war. The main reason is the amount of war games and how far this technology has come, like all HD. What is sort of weird is both video games and army machinery, tanks and jets are controlled by hand-held devices. Also there are many teenagers, even people wanting to join the army, that play video games a whole bunch. Finally, video games could save soldiers' lives, because the machinery and vehicles would be controled by a han-held, video game controller!!

Culbertson, D-1 said...

If I could lean back all day, in a bean bag chair with a mini fan blowing, 360 controller in my hand, I believe I'd be the most decorated soldier on the planet.
That's a crazy idea, but I can totally see it working amazing, a 360 controller sounds perfect for such a thing, it would be more acurate than having to use, say, a "Mouse", since the 360 leaves room for lag, and speeds of the turret moving from side to side.

Patton,A-1 said...

I think its cool how they are incorporating gaming into the military. i would like to play with some of the stuff they have. i think i would be ok at it. its cool how far technology is going now a days.

mayfield,s-1 said...

I think its really cool that they get to do things like that. Its reminds me of the remote control car but wayy better and wayy moree fun and moree things to mess with.

anderson a-2 said...

i never thought the military of all place you even consider using a video gameing technology in their line of duty. But i have to say that if the technology get a little more advance i can honesty say that i will be willing to join the military of anything for that matter because it will be just like playing a video game or somewhat along the lines of that nature and the best part is that your getting paid for it.

Parkhurst, M-2 said...

I think its a really good idea to use this type of technology but I worry about the fact that if our soldiers train in this type of atmosphere, how real will the actual war be to them whenever they go over there? Its kind of taking war and making it into a game, which isn't reality if what I hear about the fighting in wars are true. I'm just worried that our soldiers will not be in touch with what they are truly doing, its not a game that you can turn on and off, and its not something you can just start over. Everything is permanent.

Hernandez, J - 2 said...

I've heard of this technology. They said that an Xbox console is more advanced than a hard drive for a computer. That's why now a days you see younger doctors. They are specialized in using remotes like the ones used on the Xbox console for their precision and stuff.

gonzalez, c-2 said...

i would totally joing the army if we got to play games,because i rather have something die instead of me. i really think that this will help out the soilders because ther wount be as many dead soilders and family that suffer.

Goff,R-2 said...

The whole idea that video games such as COD are training teenagers for war is a horrible idea. I am not a supporter of war, and the whole idea of training teens before they are even old enough to enlist is a bad move on the government.

The fact that the army is also using X-Box 360 controllers makes the situation even worse. This is just a reson for the military forces to say "hey we use the same controllers as you are used to, so come join us! its just like playing a video game, exept you are actually controlling a real plane!". they are making it seem like it is fun to join the military and kill people while they sit in the safety of a military base behind a computer screen.....sad.

Abernathy, J-2 said...

I think the use of the videogame controllers could be useful. The controller is familiar to the soldiers so it may make it easier for them. But im not sure if i agree with them saying that videogames like call of duty prepares you for war. I have a feeling that the video game is not at all like the real deal. A video game is not a comparison to war.

Cortines,m-2 said...

Well it's nice to know that if I really wanted to I could put all my Duck Hunt and Resident Evil skills to use protecting our country. The fact that the military depends upon some gaming systems, however, is somewhat...iffy. I really like the idea that they can put some soldiers out of harm's way by controlling robots remotely with game controllers, but training and such should still be left up to actual engagement. It seems dangerous for soldiers to have the illusion of war as a kind of video game, but I suppose whatever works. If you think about it, maybe the desensitization of video games is good for military careers. War horrors are terrible, but surely zombie pwnage will help prepare for it. :) Then again...maybe not...

Wiley, C - 3 said...

I think its a cool idea to have the soilders train with the video games.

Hawkins, M - 3 said...

I like this one...Me being a future soldier I think its a great idea,because I would love to train by playing video games I wouldnt have to worry about injuries, except for a sprung wrist...lolz

T-Williams said...

I think this is really cool. But if video games are a way to train soldiers, our generation could take down an entire country. It is a way for the soldiers to actually have a little fun while training them for the worst.

Asquith,C-3 said...

This tech has actually been around for quite a while. In the article it mentions the possibility of using the wii remote for training. A while back microsoft actually made an Xbox game similar to a training simulation, that the Army actually used to help train some of their soldiers on how to react to squad commands in close quarters. Also, the analog was very sensitive when aiming a weapon, which trained the soldiers to be more precise with their shooting.

zavala,P -3 said...

the advancement in technology is becoming more and more interesting and useful. the idea that soldiers train with the use of video games is cool. its helpful and beneficial to the soldiers. i think this is awesome!

perry, w - 3 said...

its cool to know that military play video games i seen military dudes play video games on the video. the pc game is totally cool for the military to play.

Yarbrough, V - 3 said...

I know very little about technology and i think that it is real neat that playing a video game to train there haveing fun and also taking things serious I wish we had technology in s game to teach us

cortes, j - 3 said...

Its good that the military is using video game controllers to control robots in field combat, they should increase the length that the controller is able to contact the robot though, the
x-box controller is only able to connect at twenty feet.

Padilla, J - 3 said...

Who knew video games could actually help train for combat? I think it's kind of ironic that people frown upon gamers who play all day long when the military is using the same kind of video games to help train their soldiers. I think this new technology is pretty cool and shows how modern and sophisticated the military is becoming with training for combat.

Flynn,R-3 said...

Alright, young adults and current young military personell playing videogames to simulate actual combat simulations is pretty innovative, along with the fact that they're using xbox 360 controllers to control military robotics. But coming from a military family, i would definately say that a 12 year-old kid playing a first-person shooter is in no way gaining any sort of military experience for the future...

Harper, T - 3 said...

This is a really good idea to use a video game as a technolgy use for the soldiers.because they do have lots of video game that really make u seem like u are shooting or fighting real ppl. so i like the idea

Harper, T - 3 said...

This is a really good idea to use a video game as a technolgy use for the soldiers.because they do have lots of video game that really make u seem like u are shooting or fighting real ppl. so i like the idea

Cole, S - 4 said...

I think this is a really good way for them to train and might actually be a fun way of training for them.The only thing is that this might be costing them alot of money and might set them back some money wise!But other than that this is a super idea!

Howard, Z - 4 said...

I think it's really neat that the military uses game contollers to control war machines persay. It would be a whole lot easier for people who go into the military to control these machines because they more then likely already have a lot of experience using the exact same controls.

shepherd, a - 4 said...

this is really a cool idea. who would've thought that videogames would help in the military?!...the cool thing is that people use videogames a lot so using the same controllers is really useful...most people already know how to use videogame controls(notice i didn't say "all"...i don't even play video games) so it saves on training

Garza, G-4 said...

I had no idea that people could reprogram the controllers to control little robots for military use! Awesome!
I think that maybe in the future there will be a more hands-on way to train without causing damage to yourself or another living thing.

Morones, C - 4 said...

the world sitting upon the shoulders of grown men who sit in a dark corner alone watching, empty-mindedly, at their 'life' while it really zooms past faster than you can say "level-up" or "game over".

GAME OVER, BUDDY....

Spruiell, S - 4 said...

While I'm really not a video game buff at all, i do think this is really cool. Video games definitely help train the hand-eye coordination (in fact, studies have shown that more capable surgeons have had help from video games). Video game technology being utilized in combat training is just the next logical step. The only hesitation i do have with this is the emotional detachment that video game controllers might have on a soldier. I know, when I've seen Evan play those war-related video games, he finds it pretty cool to blow stuff up and shoot people (haha), so i can certainly imagine that some soldiers in an actual battle field might cause soldier to be morally disassociated with their actions. Then again, if weapons can be operated from a safer location and enable the military forces to get things done without putting themselves in harms way...I'm all for it.

Willis, A - 4 said...

*The Military uses a Lightweight Stabilized M240 Weapon System,a swiveling rooftop gun mount for Humvees that completely computer-contolled from inside the cockpit using dual joysticks and a large resistive touchscreen display. Uses the controls to target lock on unsuspecting civilian Fleet Week spector.*

Jones, C - 4 said...

Anybody who thinks that the military will have human controlled soldiers are out of their mind. No way, that's an idiodic idea.

Most of the Marines, soldiers, and sailors that are overseas play video games in their down time (when they're so lucky to have it). Therefore it wouldn't be difficult to teach a soldier to use a robot for reconnaissance in just a few minutes and have them opperate it actual situations in a very short amount of time. As for flying UAV's...whew... I feel bad for the insurgents over there...

Anywho, I don't think that hardcore gamers should get very excited about this technology being used in the military and get their hopes up about the service...you still have to make it through bootcamp and the lot of you will be too afraid to go overseas where people shoot bullets (real bullets) at you.

Garcia, A - 4 said...

its a great idea to have technology based on video game the reason is cause its very easy to play videos games and havin a robotic weapon is a great equipment to have especially gettin in tite plases where soldiers cant get in or get to and plus it would help them to be more safer

Wilson, J - 6 said...

This thing is AWESOME!! Now i want to go into the military. Its like your playing a game but its real! This would be so awsome!

Rodriguez,A-2 said...

i think this is really cool but i wonder from how far away they can operate the robot?..and what kind of damage they can do with the robot?..unless its like used just to spy on the enemy well i think this is still a great idea.

Padilla, E - 6 said...

wow....i didnt know about this...COOL:). its a good idea that they aactually use video games to practice instead of real people or other stuff.it also makes the soilders feel safer knowing they dont actually go out there and shoot people.

Unger, B - 6 said...

Okay, well yet again Im not a video game person at all (just ask my sister). I think using video game technology would be a great thing for practice, but I don't know about in real life. Yet it could have some advantages like somewhat already knowing how to work the controls. Another idea that I think would be cool would be to have a video of actually footage and use the video game to see how you would react in that situation (would you live???)

Miller, R - 6 said...

i think the game is cool this doent mean i want to be an the military though....

Esparza,J-7 said...

Cassidy makes an interesting point. I'm trying to go in to the marines just to work on computers and sit on my butt all day yet I still have to go through all the training. So yeah if you're a hard core gamer, chances are you're not going to be physically fit to go running 3 mile in under 20 minutes or doing 20 pull ups and all the other torture you have to go through. So if you are one of those jocks that play video games for the whole day only on sunday then, wolcome to the military!!!

Morrison,K-1 said...

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2113853,00.asp
The army is already using video games to search for new recruits by having tournaments, then going in to hand pick the top players to compete in a final round.

From the link that Mrs. L gave us I think that it is interesting, to know that the analog sticks have become so important.

Small,K-6 said...

I knew my beloved video games weren't totally useless. Now I can go and throw the fact that even the military uses the same sort of technology in my mom's (a supporter of the military) face.

Tate, T - 6 said...

HA ha ive heard of using robots in the military, but never ones controlled by a 360 controller. I thought it was very interesting. the only thing that didnt appeal to me was the fact that someone suggested usiing a nintendo ds to controll robots. That just made me laugh.....

Vinther,T-2 said...

Glad to hear the military is using similar video game products now. Although it sounds silly, this is probably going to help the soldiers become more comfortable with the tools they're using on the battlefield.

lyles,m-6 said...

whoaaa,i never would've thought that they use video games & controlls in the army & military.
but how is this anything close to what they'll be handling on the field? wii & xbox controlls dont backfire or give any kick like the guns used,and the video games dont give you any idea of what its like to be shot at,or when something could blow up out of the ground.why would they use that for training? i think that part is rather stupid. but the xbox remotes for robots,more simple,kind of lazy,but it works.so hey,whatever works for them,im just not in liking with it.

Castellanos, A - 6 said...

Using video game techonology for things other than the amusement of little obese 12 year old coach potatos, it pretty clever. I like that the technology that is used for entertainment is being used to help train those who will soon be going into a real life situation of war. It shows that our technolgy can be diverse and be used for different things other than sitting hours on end shooting people for fun.

Gonzalez, M - 6 said...

no comment


kidding mrs. l, just kidding!
yeah, the advancement in video technology is great. On the site, some of the comments posted had to deal with keyboard & mouse vs. controllers. the pros and cons are pretty direct. but i really have no say in it b/c im not reallt much of a tech geek to explain it lol.
i do agree that the kids who are super duper into video games shouldnt get so excited to take part of this b/c com'on, there is no comparision. okays.

Hughes, T - 7 said...

This is intense. We're basically already training ourselves to be tomorrow's soldier, while wasting hours on x-box live. Thats so awesome. Awesome possum.

Goad, G - 7 said...

The united states military has always kicked butt, but its good to know that now we can kick butt using an xbox controller. but seriously this new technology is pretty amazing and its something im seriously considering on doing so its good to know these dangerous jobs can be done from a distant safe location yay

Clark,A-7 said...

todya's "gamer" will not be the soldiers of tomorrow.... cause they wont live that long due to heart problems because all they do is play video games.
the technology aspect is really cool and it makes sense that the controls should be made so that the soldiers are already somewhat familiar with them, so a hacked xbox controller is pretty cool. just sayin

Cole, V - 7 said...

So recruiting people inot the army wasn't good enough? That now they have to recruit video gamers? Sure having these kind of devices save casualties that could of happened. I'm sure this will evolve into more war technology, but how far are they going to take it? Evenutally is war going to be a video game where people are paid to play the game from the United States? Personally this blog reminds me of the moive "Gamer." I have a feeling that one day the world will come to something like that, however not that bad.

Chalco, N - 7 said...

I think using an x-box and wii controler to control robots and other things is unique.I think this should be a little bit easier for them whoever uses this technology because its just like playing a game on your x-box.I did always think call of duty was a waste of time but now i know its not really.

Nealy,J/1 said...

The whole idea of this is a GREAT idea using controllers and touch screen to train in the military is cool... it brings M3 to the ? are they ever going to be able to use this or are they just training with it cause in my eyes then that would be a waste of $$$$$

villanueva, manuel, N. 1 said...

well in my opinion I think this technology is awesome. It would keep the troops safer and the families dont have to worry as much.