US Army Uses Computer Game to Test Racing Skills

A new computer game will be used by Internet users to test their driving ability to accomplish the mission (and compete against their friends), the US Army announced today. The game, dubbed Race for Strength makes use of augmented reality, a technology which mates real-world activities with computer-generated graphic situations.

Users receive a palm card to control the #39 US Army Chevrolet, through a web cam, through a convoy of speeding Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) and Stryker AV vehicles. In addition, players can stop playing the game and receive more information about the U.S. Army vehicles with which they share the road.

"Many young Americans may not be aware of the wide variety of opportunities available to them in the U.S. Army," Colonel Derik W. Crotts, Director of Strategic Marketing and Outreach for the U.S. Army Accessions Command, said in a release.

"Education, high-tech training and leadership development are just a few of the options available in the Army.  The Army provides access to more of these than any other organization. This new computer technology will allow today's youth to experience the diverse elements of the Army, and demonstrate the elite technology and training used to develop our Army Strong Soldiers."

US Army - Race for Strength debuted today simultaneously in four locations:

• Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. during Speed Weeks preceding NASCAR's Daytona 500.
• Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif., as part of festivities surrounding the NHRA's Kragen O'Reilly Winternationals.
• McCormick Place at the Chicago International Automobile Show.
• Online via a downloadable version