Simulated Sniping - U.S. Army Recruits Teens With Internet Game

ABC News ^ | 111/1/02

[JakeWyld]

I think you are thinking of "The Last Starfighter".

[Poohbah]

The Army also has a couple of simulation games they use to enhance marksmanship training. One, called the "Weaponeer" (if I recall), looks like a pinball machine. You lean into it and hold a mock M16. You have to zero it first by getting a shot group. Then targets pop up and you ping away at 'em. It simulates recoil as well. It's fairly realistic and afterwards it can evaluate your shots on the different targets.

It's been around for 15 years. Spend an hour a day for a week on that device, and you can go from a somewhat shaky shooter to a damn good shooter. (Personal testimonial here.)

[glc1173@aol.com]

I'm all in favor of it. Any change in military recruiting that portrays the military as a combat force - rather than a glorified Job Corps or a community college - is needed in order to get suitable recruits.

[RightWhale]

Yes, I think so.