Among the high-tech responses in the works is a virtual training system, being developed by Florida-based Reality by Design (RBD), that combines specialized, 3-D software with graphics-display and wireless networking technology.

Through RBD's helmet-mounted, heads-up viewing device, soldiers can view simulated battle terrains ranging from landscapes like Afghanistan's mountainous areas to dry deserts like those encountered in the Gulf War. All functions of the RBD system are controlled via a wireless, belt-mounted unit that is more compact than most notebook computers, the company said.

Paul Barham, RBD's vice president of research and development, told NewsFactor the system is designed to help soldiers prepare to use the Army's existing Land Warrior weapons and communications system.

The simulation system also lets soldiers practice avoiding detection by enemies in an indoor setting, if desired, and to train either on their own or with other soldiers.

Because the devices are networked, the simulator tracks the location of other participants engaged in practice drills.

Active Duty

"The key here is that you're able to experience a battlefield situation in an active environment," Barham told NewsFactor.

RBD, which is owned by Advanced Interactive Systems, is developing the simulator under contract with the Army. Barham said the systems could be in use by late 2003 or early 2004.

The new system was discussed at a recent defense contractor symposium in Florida that was sponsored by the Army's Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM). At that conference, RBD officials said the graphical-viewing aspect of the system will be subcontracted to San-Jose, California-based Quantum3D.

The simulator will use Quantum3D's Sentiris embedded graphics card, which will feed 3D images to the soldiers.

Heads-Up System

Tom McAfee, a manager in Quantum3D's embedded graphics division, told NewsFactor that the system gives a realistic view not only of terrain, but also of all the information the soldier needs to survey the situation -- such as times, directions and the location of enemies -- without having to look at several sources at once.

The same heads-up technology eventually could be deployed in passenger cars, helping drivers keep track of a number of different gauges and information systems without taking their eyes off the road.

The compactness of the combined graphics and communication system makes it possible for soldiers to take part in detailed field simulations without being tethered to computer and phone systems, McAfee said.

"There was once a time when they thought they would need to strap a Dell computer to a soldier to make this all portable," McAfee said of the Army's evolving Land Warrior program. "This [device] is making it possible to do training missions and a lot of things you can't do right now."

Beyond the Military

RBD's Barham said the technology also may be adapted for use by the Air Force and Marines -- or for use by firefighters to train for various hazardous situations.

He anticipates that a major market for the system could be homeland security , with government agencies and civilian groups using the technology to prepare for terrorist attacks.

Barham said the newly formed U.S. Homeland Security office has budgeted funds for such technology, and RBD is one of several firms that will be vying for contracts, which are expected to be awarded by the new agency next year.