INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The U.S. Army National Guard is bringing Disasterville, a new mixed-reality program, to high schools nationwide this spring. The initiative transforms gymnasiums into simulated disaster zones, using virtual reality to show students how soldiers respond to wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.
The program is designed to teach young Americans about the National Guard’s role in disaster relief as extreme weather and natural disasters become more frequent.
Students work in five-person teams to complete missions that mirror real-world emergency operations, including clearing debris, operating chainsaws, and navigating inflatable watercraft to rescue people and pets. Link to Interview – https://www.wishtv.com/lifestyle/disasterville-mixed-reality-initiative/
Disasterville features three separate 10-minute scenarios that emphasize teamwork and decision-making. Beyond virtual missions, the program showcases the Guard’s diverse capabilities, from medical and engineering support to aviation and law enforcement, and highlights how soldiers respond to emergencies in their home states.
The initiative supports the National Guard’s “Uncommon as Calling “campaign, which encourages young people to consider service that benefits their communities. It also gives participants a firsthand look at how the Guard combines coordination, communication, and endurance to manage large-scale emergencies.
The program is expected to arrive in Indianapolis in the coming weeks. Officials said final scheduling is being finalized, and details about the specific location will be announced soon.
Link to the case study – https://www.groovejones.com/disasterville-mixed-reality-experience-army-national-guard
