AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Security Forces members from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing unveiled a new, unique piece of training equipment on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 24, 2022.
The unit received a Street Smart Virtual Reality Simulator, which is the first one to be sent to the U.S. Air Force Central Command theatre of operations.
“It solves a training gap that unfortunately sometimes exists within the career field,” said Tech Sgt. Jesse Ermer, a 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron member.
Street Smart VR is a VR-based training system for law enforcement and first responders. The system is composed of a VR headset that can be used alongside a variety of training tools, such as firearms or pepper spray.
When someone puts on the headset, they can enter a simulated environment where they must solve problems they may be faced with in their career field, such as active shooter response, domestic violence investigations, or even things like noise complaints and guarding the installation gates.
The simulator runs off of a computer with an operator. The operator can select different options for how the simulation will change based on how the trainee responds to different scenarios or confrontations.
“Sometimes hands-on training can come at a hefty price that is not feasible for training all of our Defenders,” said Tech Sgt. Erica Gonzalez, who helped set up the simulator. “Street Smart VR solves that problem by providing more realistic training that Defenders can readily get their hands on.”
Technological developments are key to paving the way for a better trained Air Force, prepared to win the next fight.