A Newport News, Virginia company, C2 Technologies, won an international competition to develop a prototype game to teach Rules of Engagement to NATO soldiers on Sept. 26, 2016. The contract award, valued at $108,000, with a short 13-week game development plan, is indicative of the progress that can be achieved when government and industry collaborate. From NATO’s perspective, this technology provides essential training for NATO troops to ensure the safety of civilians wherever they operate.
“These types of projects are used widely in our industry to both reach students and to teach them how to navigate unfamiliar environments. In this way, the platform is similar to the flight simulators that pilots use to learn to fly,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Lofgren, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Capability Development at NATO’s Allied Command Transformation. “We're proud to partner with local industry to create this vital product.”
With the exception of self-defense, during peacetime and operations prior to the commencement of an armed conflict, Rules of Engagement provide the sole authority for NATO-led troops to use force. The NATO Rules of Engagement game will provide users a safe means in which to test their knowledge of the rules, practice decision making, and learn from the consequences of their decisions.
Similar to a highly advanced form of first-person action games available in the public domain, the software ensures realism, with scenarios developed to be as close to real life as possible. This includes everything from getting orders and soldiers being flown into a theater of operations to carry out their work, such as conducting patrols. C2 Technologies has successfully completed similar work for the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General.
Situated in Norfolk, Virginia, since 1952, NATO’s Allied Command Transformation is the only NATO Command in the United States. ACT brings together military personnel from 26 nations to contribute to international security and international stability. ACT is estimated to contribute $100 million to the local economy every year.