Using America's Army technologies Walter Reed Army Medical Center gives soliders the skills to drive army strong

by: Nathan - posted: 11/22/2008 2:24:00 PM

Many private and public companies, corporations, scientific studies and even the military turn to video game technologies when they want to simulate real life situations. Technology and services from the Army Center for Enhanced Performance, America's Army, GM Mobility, General Motors Automotive Service Education Program at the Community of Baltimore County, Bruno Independent Living Aids and other businesses from the DC area were chipped in to give wounded servicemembers a very useful tool. A state-of-the-art driving simulator that will help them return to driving independence by allowing them and their therapists to gauge how best to get them back on the road. I bet it even has a "support our troops" bumper sticker on the back.

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 20, 2008 - Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Military Advanced Training Center now possesses a state-of-the-art driving simulator to help wounded servicemembers return to driving independence. This new capability allows patients to practice with adaptive driving equipment, gain confidence in their driving proficiency and apply mental skills training in a commonplace activity.

Walter Reed leadership launched the driving simulator at an official ceremony today in Joel Auditorium as part of Warrior Care Month.

The driving simulator adds a new dimension to Warrior Care and was a collaborative effort involving government and corporate partners to include the Army Center for Enhanced Performance (ACEP), America's Army, GM Mobility, General Motors Automotive Service Education Program at the Community College of Baltimore County, Bruno Independent Living Aids and other local businesses.

Physical and occupational therapists use the simulator as an assessment tool to identify possible deficit areas in driving of which Soldiers may be unaware. Issues addressed with the simulator include: vehicle entry and egress issues, driving with modifications and driving in civilian situations. Soldiers are able to go through driving scenarios that test their abilities in having to swerve from road debris, tailgating, quickly recognizing and reacting to common traffic signs and managing stresses associated with common driving situations.

"We are pleased to be able to launch this simulator during Warrior Care Month," said Col. Norvell Van Coots, commander, Walter Reed Health Care System. "Our wounded warriors will now be able to regain their driving skills, using one of the most advanced and realistic rehabilitation tools created to help our recovering servicemembers."

Using state-of-the-art America's Army technologies, the vehicle simulator developers created a realistic driving simulation that reacts to the driver and provides valuable feedback in a non-threatening and constructive manner enabling Warriors in Transition to learn to operate a vehicle safely. The simulator vehicle is a Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab chassis and is equipped with: active steering, brakes, accelerator, Gear select and instrument panel; driver inputs tied to America's Army gaming software, a Bruno Orbit Seat for passenger side; Minox hand controls; adjustable seating height and an interior redesigned for easy cleaning and maintenance.

ACEP Performance Enhancement Specialists utilize the simulator to help Soldiers apply their mental skills training in a commonplace activity. ACEP education mixes educational best practices with applied sport psychology to train Soldiers to build confidence, control their attention, manage energy, set goals and integrate imagery.

Warrior Care is honored through the month of November.

About Walter Reed Health Care System "Home of Warrior Care"
The Walter Reed Health Care System provides comprehensive health care for more than 150,000 Soldiers, other service members, Family members and retirees in the National Capital Area. Its hub is Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the clinical center of gravity of American military medicine. For more information, visit www.wramc.amedd.army.mil

 

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About Army Center for Enhanced Performance
The Army Center for Enhanced Performance (ACEP) utilizes state-of-the-art technologies, educational best practices and applied sport psychology techniques to teach Soldiers, Units and Families to acquire, practice and master the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance. Employing strategies founded at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Army Centers for Enhanced Performance are open at installations throughout the country. Soldiers benefit from cutting-edge, research-based mental strength education that will give them the keys to maintaining resilience in complex and uncertain environments. Just as physical training strengthens the body, ACEP training provides the foundation for strengthening the mind.

About America's Army
Launched on July 4th 2002, America's Army is an innovative PC action game that provides young adults with an inside perspective and a virtual role in today's high-tech Army. The America's Army game affords players a virtual "test drive" of Soldiering in the U.S. Army from basic training to the battlefield in the Global War on Terrorism. With almost 10 million registered players, America's Army is one of the world's most successful gaming franchises. Due to its ability to render exceptionally realistic and flexible environments, player interactions, and scenarios, America's Army is an ideal platform for developing training simulations and applications. The America's Army team delivers complete solutions ranging from customer requirements definition to rapid prototyping and tactical hardware integration. America's Army continually redefines the military game space and creates vivid, immersive and adaptable environments for use within government agencies. Visit www.americasarmy.com

 

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