Video Game War for U.S. 'Digital Divison' in Iraq

Zardon · Jan 4, 2004, 11:21 AM

TIKRIT, Iraq (Reuters) - The blue dots moving on the computer screen are U.S. tanks and Humvees, the red ones are the enemy American soldiers must kill or capture.

This is not a video game but how the most high-tech division of the U.S. army conducts operations in Iraq.

The 4th Infantry Division, which patrols a large chunk of northern Iraq, caught the world's attention when it captured Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. But in the U.S. military, it is known for the space-age gear fitted in its vehicles.

"The 4th ID is the only division to have it," said Sergeant Jeff Mann, an infantryman from Farmsville, Ohio. "That's why they call us the 'digital division'."

For soldiers like Mann, the navigation console on his Humvee has replaced the map and compass as the tool to find the way across a desert or through the streets -- in his case in Tikrit, Saddam's hometown.

The computer uses satellite positioning technology to tell the operator where he is and where his comrades are. Back at base, computer operators plot the red icons showing where they believe the enemy to be.

"It is a huge advance," said Major Lou Morales, a training officer who was a company commander during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq last March.

"It freed me up to see who was around me. I knew where my helicopters were, my trucks, my tanks...It frees you up from staring at a map."

Read here

Mac Daddy · Jan 4, 2004, 12:13 PM

Now thats an interesting read

Murdock · Jan 5, 2004, 02:34 PM

Interesting game

Mac Daddy · Jan 8, 2004, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Murdock
Interesting game

I think you missed the point .. its not a game

Jan 4, 2004, 11:21 AM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Video Game War for U.S. 'Digital Divison' in Iraq TIKRIT, Iraq (Reuters) - The blue dots moving on the computer screen are U.S. tanks and Humvees, the red ones are the enemy American soldiers must kill or capture. This is not a video game but how the most high-tech division of the U.S. army conducts operations in Iraq. The 4th Infantry Division, which patrols a large chunk of northern Iraq, caught the world's attention when it captured Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. But in the U.S. military, it is known for the space-age gear fitted in its vehicles. "The 4th ID is the only division to have it," said Sergeant Jeff Mann, an infantryman from Farmsville, Ohio. "That's why they call us the 'digital division'." For soldiers like Mann, the navigation console on his Humvee has replaced the map and compass as the tool to find the way across a desert or through the streets -- in his case in Tikrit, Saddam's hometown. The computer uses satellite positioning technology to tell the operator where he is and where his comrades are. Back at base, computer operators plot the red icons showing where they believe the enemy to be. "It is a huge advance," said Major Lou Morales, a training officer who was a company commander during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq last March. "It freed me up to see who was around me. I knew where my helicopters were, my trucks, my tanks...It frees you up from staring at a map." Read here

Jan 4, 2004, 12:13 PM	#2
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 80 System Specs	Now thats an interesting read __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Jan 5, 2004, 02:34 PM	#3
Murdock DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: UK Posts: 325 Rep Power: 0	Interesting game