Are you interested in the Air Force, JROTC, games, or virtual reality? On Thursday, April 25, the US Air Force (USAF) came to Royal for a special unique event called “Own The Sky” which is a USAF virtual reality airborne experience. Our school AFJROTC had contacted the US Air Force who was hosting the tour to come to our school for our students, so they could experience the feeling of controlling an aircraft. It was hosted all day until 3 p.m. with two simulations students could experience.
It was a very unique and simplistic way to show those who had questions and feelings about this particular event in a game-like simulation. Also included was a push-up simulation which was a simulation to see how many pushes you could do within 30 seconds. So, it starts off with standing on a black platform mat, so that the camera with AI can scan your body. It then gives you two character selections, a boy or girl, so the AI can verse you with your preferred choice with what the AI looks like. Crew-member Riley said, “Just trying to help with recruiting with the simulation, and to make it fun!”
The most favored simulation that they brought would be the VR (virtual reality) experience. Before playing you go into a line and write your information on a tablet. Once you finish inputting the information the tablet shows you the colored band you will receive. There are three colored bands white, blue, and black. Once you receive the band you can play the simulation. There are two different modes: the regular mode which is easier, and the hard mode. The simulation can last up to 30 minutes depending on how long you can stay alive by completing tasks for the simulation. It is a bit eye-straining when you have not used a VR in a long time, it is also a bit tricky if you are not experienced with the controls.
To describe the setup would be that the seats are connected to the floor along with wiring, and the seats have a panel with two controls with handles to go in up and down motions along with side to side. The VR headset, that was used for all the simulations, was an Oculus quest which had its own headphones attached to it so you can better hear the sound of the simulation. The simulation was also very fun and interactive going through checkpoints and shooting targets to gain points. Senior Joseph Soto said, “I thought it was a fun experience, I’m glad I was able to go in time to give it a try.”
The event was really packed as well, and many students enjoyed the experience. Senior Hector Martinez said, “Fun experience, would try again. I recommend others to try it out before it ends!” For an event that lasted almost all day many students had very positive reactions about it, and loved the experience.
MSgt Alvin Johnson had booked it through TSGT Carla Haghdan. MSgt Johnson said, “I wanted students to experience the simulation, and talk about our program to get more recruits. It’s also a good way for students who are already interested in the Air Force to try this experience, and ask questions.” Carla Haghdan was one of the sergeants there, she was very kind and happy to answers questions from students. Haghdan added, “Our job is to help out with mass missions and fires, it’s what we do. Helping the people. If we gain more interest from this event then that would be wonderful because we need more recruits, or those who are interested.”
