ROTC hosts war games, virtual training for cadets

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Central Michigan University ROTC cadets took up arms in a 24-hour deathmatch Friday afternoon.

Horrifying? Not at all — it was part of a virtual program called America’s Army.

ROTC hosted a 24-hour video game competition, which lasted through Saturday. Lt. Rodney Williams said the competition aimed to introduce the public to the third version of America’s Army, a realistic war game similar to the Call of Duty franchise.

“The game allows cadets to get familiar with the battleground without having to be in the field,” Williams said. “My commander would one day like to implement more virtual training like this instead of some field assignments.”

The competition started at noon Friday and, after four hours, team deathmatches were in full swing. About with 10 players sat at PC laptops through each round of the game.

The game’s realistic mechanics included a breath meter and weapon accuracy.

“It is the closest a civilian can get to a real life mission.” Williams said. “It’s fun. I am a big fan of Call of Duty.”

Freeland senior Zac Nelson said America’s Army was developed to give civilians a realistic depiction of the battlefield.

“It’s a lot like real life,” Nelson said.

Winners of the competition received awards, and other attendees received prizes at the door.

Besides the America’s Army competition, participants enjoyed a station for virtual target practice, Xbox gaming and movies shown later in the evening.

Mark Halberg came to the competition with his roommates.

“It sounded pretty cool,”  the Chesterfield sophomore said. “There is no way I can stay for 24 hours, though.”