Introduction
The use of simulation in military affairs is an integral part of training and building strategic plans. Implementing modern technologies can significantly improve the methods of conducting defensive and offensive operations. Simulation using virtual and augmented reality can significantly increase the effectiveness of soldier training. The development of electronic systems for the simulation of combat operations is helpful for use in the armed forces, and therefore, it is necessary to study this issue in more detail.
Physical vs. Virtual Military Simulation
Military simulation can take on many forms, ranging from physical to virtual reality. The physical simulation is more complex as it requires realistically recreating combat conditions as realistically as possible to train and adapt the soldiers. This method is simpler, more reliable, and has some advantages since malts are practiced in real conditions in open areas (Niu et al., 2022).
Virtual simulations have a wider range of applications since programs can use different specific combat scenarios. At the same time, such a system is simpler to implement but can be quite expensive. The two types of simulation also differ in that virtual ones can be used to create hazardous conditions that would be impossible to recreate in the real world.
The ubiquitous use of computers has matured the industry enough to start implementing some systems in the military. The first use of modern technology in military affairs occurred in the 20th century to train pilots (Ali et al., 2023). Thus, a greater result was possible since a person was trained immediately on a full-fledged control panel without endangering their life and without spending much time and resources. In the modern world, military simulation technology has advanced significantly. The scenarios that can be created using virtual simulation can recreate the complex conditions in which psychological experience is formed (Tao & Feng, 2020).
In addition, a special advantage of using virtual simulations is the ability to change and adjust all conditions, such as weather, to the required parameters (Tao & Feng, 2020). This is a useful feature for shooting outdoors, as, in reality, people would have to wait long enough for the right weather to arrive. In addition, virtual simulators can be used for various training purposes, both for technical personnel and for infantrymen. In this case, real-world simulation is more appropriate if it is needed to train a large number of people in order to work out group maneuvers.
Applications and Advantages of Virtual Military Simulation
One of the important advantages that virtual simulations can provide is that soldiers go through the entire training complex. In this way, they will be able to get emotions and experiences similar to a real battle while being safe. The process of military training can be quite traumatic and expensive, which creates some inconvenience for both the soldiers and the military command (Valtonen et al., 2022).
In addition to the above advantages, simulation allows soldiers to learn all the necessary practical information. The mistakes they make during training will not be critical and will not harm anyone, as they could be in real training. This means that the implementation of this system could bring better results for the entire military sphere.
Furthermore, simulations can help soldiers train scenarios for complex and dangerous missions that would take a long time in the real world. For example, simulations can be used to train soldiers for combat in urban environments where many variables need to be considered, such as the civilian population and complex building structures (Vábek et al., 2021). In real training, it would be impossible to recreate such battles, and therefore, the soldiers would receive this information only theoretically.
Another important benefit that military simulations can provide is the reduced cost of real-time training. The organization of large military congresses is a complex process that will require long planning and calculations regarding how the schedule of tasks assigned to the military will proceed. At the same time, modeling is much cheaper for the organization in the long run. This will allow for more frequent and intense training that can significantly increase the army’s combat capability.
With the implementation of virtual conditions, most of these aspects disappear, which makes modeling using technologies a rational alternative since the saved finances can be directed to other areas (Tao & Feng, 2020). In this way, virtual simulations can contribute to the improvement of the entire military sector. In addition to the practical military activities mentioned above, soldiers can also learn non-combat skills in virtual simulations. This may include logistics or supply chain management for the front, taking into account the strategic situation.
Through simulations, soldiers can learn the necessary skills to load and unload ammunition or transport heavy military equipment (Vábek et al., 2021). Such operations carried out in real-time would require significant efforts in organizing the delivery of equipment and shells to the range, which would take a lot of time. The type of resource management training is also a critical function that will provide the military with the necessary skills in cases where there are supply constraints or logistical problems with food.
Virtual simulation of military situations can be a useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of strategic combat methods. Thus, it will improve the planning skills of military tactics and strategy to provide an advantage on the battlefield. By modeling different schemes and tactics, one can effectively find out how critical the potential disadvantages and advantages of certain tactics used are (Ali et al., 2023). In this regard, tactics can be changed and improved to make operations more effective. In reality, this can reduce the risk of failure and loss among people and equipment.
Limitations and Future Prospects of Simulation Technologies
Despite the many positive aspects of the use of military simulation, there are some disadvantages to using this solution. One of these may be errors that can occur in simulations (Tao & Feng, 2020). As a result, incorrect display of some parameters or incorrect calculations can lead to a false opinion about some parameters of military operations. All data from the simulation must pass the necessary validation. This can prevent possible wrong conclusions and, as a consequence, the adoption of decisions that can harm the military situation.
The use of military simulation has great prospects in the future, and with technological progress, it can develop new necessary functions. Virtual and augmented reality can become more accessible, which will make their implementation in the training process cheaper and easier (Tao & Feng, 2020). One potential area in which future simulation technologies may be implemented is autonomous weapons systems. As military simulation systems proliferate, they may acquire new features that are important for training operators and specialists who could adjust the equipment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, military simulation is an important tool for training soldiers and specialists who have to manage different areas in the army. This may include the logistics component, regulation, and management of resources to deliver them to the front. In addition, virtual simulation is an important aspect of improving military effectiveness. The implementation of modern technologies can significantly help improve strategic planning. In addition, this area has great prospects for development in the future.
References
Ali, I. M., Turan, H. H., & Elsawah, S. (2023). A military fleet mix problem for high-valued defense assets: A simulation-based optimization approach. Expert Systems with Applications, 213, 118964. Web.
Niu, A., Ma, H., Zhang, S., Zhu, X., Deng, J., & Luo, Y. (2022). The effectiveness of simulation-based training on the competency of military nurses: A systematic review. Nurse Education Today, 105536. Web.
Tao, Y., & Feng, J. (2020). Research on the application of VR technology in military electronic countermeasure teaching. In 2020 IEEE 2nd International Conference on Computer Science and Educational Informatization (CSEI), pp. 150-154. Web.
Vábek, M., Vlkovský, M., & Pecina, M. (2021). Modeling and Simulation in the Framework of Civil and Military Logistics. Business Logistics in Modern Management, 21, 109-125. Web.
Valtonen, I., Rautio, S., & Lehtonen, J. M. (2022). Designing resilient military logistics with additive manufacturing. Continuity & Resilience Review. Web.