This research encompassed the second in a series of experiments on the functional capabilities of a collection of four Virtual Individual Combatant(VIC) simulation technologies linked in the Dismounted Warrior Network (DWN). These experiments (user and engineering) provided enhanced restricted terrain (ERT) an improved database and VIC systems. The intent was to demonstrate a reliable low cost easy to use way to insert Dismounted Infantry into synthetic virtual environments. Multiple agencies collaborated over several months; experimentation occurred in July 1998. Data collection occurred at the U.S. ArmyInfantry Centers Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab Land Warrior Testbed and the Fort Benning McKenna Military Observations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) site. The four VICs were networked and the individual soldiers in their VICs appeared (visually) to each other in the virtual environment. User exercises measured theVICs' ability to support the individual soldiers as part of a team performing a collective virtual task of room clearing. The MOUT data collection was an attempt to observe the soldiers in actual room clearing. The U.S. Army Research Institute provided man in the loop observations, results of questionnaires and structured interviews.

"This research encompassed the second in a series of experiments on the functional capabilities of a collection of four Virtual Individual Combatant (VIC) simulation technologies linked in the Dismounted Warrior Network (DWN). These experiments (user and engineering) provided enhanced restricted terrain (ERT) an improved database and VIC systems. The intent was to demonstrate a reliable low cost easy to use way to insert Dismounted Infantry into synthetic virtual environments. Multiple agencies collaborated over several months; experimentation occurred in July 1998. Data collection occurred at the U.S. Army Infantry Centers Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab Land Warrior Testbed and the Fort Benning McKenna Military Observations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) site. The four VICs were networked and the individual soldiers in their VICs appeared (visually) to each other in the virtual environment. User exercises measured the VICs' ability to support the individual soldiers as part of a team performing a collective virtual task of room clearing. The MOUT data collection was an attempt to observe the soldiers in actual room clearing. The U.S. Army Research Institute provided man in the loop observations, results of questionnaires and structured interviews." -- Stinet.

"This report describes the work on a Science and Technology Objective (STO) entitled Virtual Environments for Dismounted Soldier Simulation, Training and Mission Rehearsal. The four-year (Fiscal Year FY 99-FY 02) STO effort was proposed to address a range of U.S. Army future operational capabilities described in U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Pamphlet 525-66 (U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, 1997). The STO activities and goals were focused on overcoming critical technological challenges that prevented effective Infantry Soldier simulation. The U. S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) led a team of both government and industry developers in examining simulation capabilities for industry. The other government partners vent the U.S. Army Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM) and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory Human Research and Engineering Directorate (ARL-HRED) and Computational and information Sciences Directorate (ARL-ClSD). Each of the major players had a particular area of interest but all worked together to explore concepts and systems and to recommend directions for further work on training, concept development, and mission rehearsal."--DTIC.