This Northlands Newscenter article reports a controversy is brewing over the army combat simulator which will be showcased at the Duluth Air Show. From the article: "The Duluth Air Show doesn't start until next Saturday, but controversy surrounding the event has already taken flight.
It involves a realistic combat simulator used by military recruiters that will be showcased at the Airshow. As Joel Runck explains, the U-S Army is taking the world of virtual reality to a whole new level.
"It's not the same as plopping a couple quarters into a game," said David Boe, Duluth Air and Aviation Expo, public relations director.
It's called the Virtual Army Experience. According to the U-S Army, the technology creates a life-sized combat zone.
The experience takes approximately a half hour and participants can drive vehicles and shoot machine guns on their mission. Up to 50 players can use the simulator at one time.
"They get an actual like pre-convoy briefing just like anybody in the Army would be getting prior to going out on a mission," said Boe. "Once the mission is done, then they also get a post briefing."
But critics of the simulator say the line between virtual reality and actuality has been blurred too much. Michelle Naar-Obed of Loaves and Fishes says protests are in the works for the airshow on July 19th and 20th.
"We're suggesting that people boycott the event until the Army Recruiting tools are not accepted at the airshow," said Michele Naar-Obed, Loaves and Fishes volunteer.
Some members of the U.S. Army think otherwise.
"It's kind of curious that some people would object to a virtual Army experience game when the central draw to the Duluth Air Show is the blue angels who are flying F-18 Super hornet strike aircraft, which last time I checked was a military weapon," said Sgt. 1st Class John Haymond of the U.S. Army, Duluth Station.
Opponents of the simulator say the Army is targeting adolescents unfairly.
"I'm very upset over this, I think this is just insane that they would use this kind of venue to train our youth to kill people," said Naar-Obed.
Haymond says no person younger than 17 years-of-age will be permitted to use the simulator. He says the high tech, virtual combat stresses things video games exclude.
"The reality includes the fact that there's a consequence for pulling the trigger," Haymond said. "That's what video games and P-C games skip over."
Airshow officials say an area will be set-up on site for protestors. Those choosing to demonstrate should consult the Duluth Police Department for further information.É