99% Invisible

Imitation Nation

27 snips
Jan 16, 2024
Join Sonia Paul, a reporter with a sharp focus on military training, as she explores the fascinating world of military simulations. Discover how the U.S. military constructs fake cities for soldiers to navigate culturally rich scenarios. Hear about the intense psychological challenges faced by role players and the evolution of training in urban warfare. Sonia highlights the dramatic impact of these simulations on perceptions of combat and the importance of understanding local cultures in today's conflict. It's a riveting look at preparation for modern warfare!
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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Nap

  • Mustafa, exhausted, sought a quiet place to nap in a remote Afghan village.
  • He awoke to Marines apprehending him, only to realize it was a military simulation in California.
INSIGHT

Evolution of Simulations

  • Military training simulations have evolved significantly over time.
  • Post-WWII, simulations emphasized urban warfare, replicating environments like Stalingrad.
INSIGHT

Mogadishu's Impact

  • The Battle of Mogadishu highlighted the need for simulations involving complex urban environments.
  • It also revealed the challenge of identifying combatants among civilians.
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