99% Invisible cover image

99% Invisible

Imitation Nation

Jan 16, 2024
34:30
Snipd AI
Fake cities and imitation nations created by the US military for training soldiers, role-playing simulations for Afghan refugees, challenges of post-occupation, and preparing for the next war
Read more

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Military simulations prepare soldiers for warfare by creating realistic and immersive environments to mimic the complexities of modern conflicts.
  • Role players play a crucial role in military simulations, acting as residents, police officers, or insurgents, and immersing soldiers in cultural nuances and language immersion.

Deep dives

The Rise of Military Simulations

Military simulations have become an integral part of training soldiers for warfare. These simulations, which have evolved over the years, aim to prepare soldiers for the complex and unpredictable nature of modern warfare. They often involve role-playing scenarios in simulated villages and cities, complete with actors, props, and authentic replicas of different physical environments. Starting with the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II, the importance of urban simulations became evident, leading to the development of more realistic training grounds. Simulations also focus on cultural competency, with role players teaching soldiers about the customs and culture of the areas they might be deployed to. The industry around military simulations has grown significantly, with hundreds of companies receiving millions of dollars in government contracts. These simulations continue to adapt to meet the military's latest needs, including preparing for conflicts in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode