Imagine navigating through a catastrophic earthquake or battling the ferocity of a forest fire. These are the kinds of experiences that students at Woodhaven High School in Brownstown Township, Michigan, recently faced in a unique training exercise. Spearheaded by the National Guard, this initiative blends cutting-edge technology with practical disaster response training.
Disasterville: A New Approach to Training
At the heart of this innovative program, known as ‘Disasterville,’ lies the use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality to simulate real-life disaster scenarios. Students donned VR headsets and AI-enhanced Google glasses to immerse themselves in situations that mimic natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and wildfires.
Woodhaven High School Principal Jay Vesperman emphasized the realism of these scenarios, saying, “They were just virtual disasters. Simulated as if you’re in the National Guard.” The event was as much about recruitment as it was about training, with National Guard members available to discuss enlistment opportunities with students.
Inside the Disasterville Experience
The training featured three main scenarios: a forest fire, a flood, and an earthquake. “Three virtual google scenarios were set up. One on a forest fire, another in a flood, and the third involved an earthquake scenario,” Vesperman explained. The earthquake scenario was particularly challenging, with students required to navigate a flipped bus to rescue individuals.
In a statement, Staff Sgt. Adam Szabo from the National Guard Bureau’s Marketing and Advertising Branch highlighted the strategic aim behind ‘Disasterville’: “Many young Americans are unaware of the wide-ranging skills of Army National Guard soldiers and their critical role in disaster response.” This program, he noted, seeks to educate students about the impact and skills-training available through the Guard.
An Unexpected Real-Life Emergency
In an ironic twist, a real-life emergency nearly derailed the training exercise. A transformer fire near the school led to a power outage, forcing the cancellation of the day’s events. Despite the disruption, the National Guard committed to returning the following day to complete the training.
“They were great,” Vesperman said of the Guard’s response. The event not only showcased the National Guard’s capabilities but also provided students with insights into possible career paths, whether in military service or beyond.
‘Disasterville’ continues its tour, with stops planned at various high schools in Michigan, Indiana, and Nebraska, offering more students the chance to experience this groundbreaking training.
