FORT KNOX, Ky. –
The U.S. Army is aiming to connect the gaming world to the military characters and equipment featured in many of today’s most popular games during the first-ever ArmyCon at the Army Ten-Miler Expo Park and D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., Oct. 11-12.
ArmyCon will showcase high tech, warfighting capabilities with interactive displays and demonstrations. Individuals can test their skills as virtual warriors in the Mobile Gaming Semi-Trailer and then meet the real-life Soldiers face-to-face, equipped with all the associated gear and weaponry, in one action-packed area.
Spectators can test out robots, climb inside helicopters, and challenge their hacking skills. They can even get a close-up look at two new pieces of Army tech – the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular and the Black Hornet Nano Unmanned Aerial System.
The ENVG-B’s are the Army’s most advanced night vision goggle, providing close combat forces with the capability to observe and maneuver weather conditions during limited visibility and enabling Soldiers to shoot around corners. The Black Hornet is a tiny drone that offers intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support.
“There are so many young people who don't know what high-tech jobs the Army can offer or what Army life is like,” said Maj. Gen. Frank Muth, U.S. Army Recruiting commanding general. “ArmyCon is a prime opportunity for us to start the conversation about the professional jobs our Soldiers do.”
ArmyCon will feature the two new outreach teams created this year – the Army eSports Team and the Warrior Fitness Team. The esports team will host a “Twitch” gaming tournament inside of the U.S. Army Mobile Gaming Semi-Trailer, which features scorpion chairs and a variety of gaming platforms.
In addition to the new equipment and the gaming trailer, attendees will have a variety of Army assets to experience up-close and personal, including:
- Electric motorcycle
- Talon EOD robot
- Percussion explosive neutralization system
- Portable X-ray
- EOD blast suit
- Cyber Protection Team (demo cyber effects, display geo tagging effects with social media)
- Helicopters
- Stryker
Along with the equipment, attendees can meet Olympians from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, the Golden Knights Army Parachute Team, Rangers, Special Forces Soldiers, and more.