Rob Handfield Teams With U.S. Air Force To Host Inaugural Gameapalooza
Rob Handfield Teams With U.S. Air Force To Host Inaugural Gameapalooza
Rob Handfield Teams With U.S. Air Force To Host Inaugural Gameapalooza
By Jimmy Ryals
March 19, 2024
Summary
The popularity of combat video games like Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Arma is well-established. However, the market for games that simulate the intricate logistics of battles is smaller yet potentially impactful. Gameapalooza, held at Hunt Library, united researchers, developers, and military officials to explore gaming's potential in training. Originating from Robert Handfield's involvement in sourcing PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event aimed to address gaps in military training, particularly in supply chain resiliency. Handfield, along with Lt. Col. Dan Finkenstadt and Arnav Jhala, authored a study on gamifying defense acquisition training, culminating in Gameapalooza's practical implementation. The event showcased various game demonstrations, including a Minecraft-based leadership game and Mage Duel for language learning, while emphasizing the potential of AI-generated training scenarios to prepare Air Force officers for high-pressure decision-making. Gameapalooza received praise as a pivotal moment in embracing gamification in military training, likely to become an annual event.
Reference
Ryals, J. (2024, March 19). Rob Handfield Teams With U.S. Air Force To Host Inaugural Gameapalooza. Retrieved from https://poole.ncsu.edu/thought-leadership/article/rob-handfield-teams-with-u-s-air-force-to-host-inaugural-gameapalooza/