#United States #Washington, D.C. #Army National Guard #mixed-reality #Disasterville

Disasterville: A Revolutionary Mixed-Reality Initiative by the Army National Guard

This spring, students across the United States will experience the immersive world of Disasterville, thanks to the Army National Guard. This innovative mixed-reality program aims to educate high school students about disaster relief missions in an engaging and realistic setting. By combining technology with hands-on learning, Disasterville allows students to understand the significance and impact of the National Guard's role during emergencies.

What is Disasterville?

Disasterville is more than just a simulation; it's a comprehensive educational tool that transports students into various disaster scenarios, such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Each scenario is meticulously designed to replicate real-life situations that National Guard Soldiers confront, enabling participants to grasp the complexities of disaster response.

A Unique Learning Experience

Participants will don advanced virtual reality headsets and work collaboratively in teams. They’ll encounter three primary missions: tackling a wildfire, rescuing survivors from floods, and responding to an earthquake. By engaging in these missions, students will harness communication, problem-solving, and physical endurance skills—traits that are vital in any emergency response situation.

The experience aims to highlight the high level of commitment Guardsmen have, showcasing how they juggle military duties alongside their civilian careers. "Many young Americans don't realize the diverse skills that Army National Guard Soldiers possess and their essential role in disaster response," explains Staff Sgt. Adam Szabo. "Disasterville aims to bridge that gap by immersing students in the dynamic missions led by National Guard Soldiers nationwide."

Technology Meets Purpose

Disasterville utilizes groundbreaking mixed-reality technologies, blending augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create an engaging and interactive learning environment. High school gymnasiums will be transformed into realistic disaster zones that simulate devastating conditions, using large plywood structures to represent collapsed buildings and hazardous landscapes.

Moreover, the program leverages hand-tracking technology that allows students to interact with their environment without needing traditional game controllers. This further immerses participants in the experience as they use props representing real-world rescue and recovery tools.

Behind the Scenes of Disasterville

The initiative's development involved collaboration with cutting-edge experts in extended reality (XR). Dale Carman, a co-founder of Groove Jones, played a pivotal role in designing and enhancing the experience to ensure it accurately reflects the challenges National Guardsmen face.

The program was first previewed at the BEYA STEM Conference in Baltimore in February 2026, where interested students got a glimpse of what to expect from the full experience. Following this, Disasterville will tour select high schools and National Guard armories across the country in Washington, D.C.; Detroit, Mich.; Indianapolis, Ind.; and Omaha, Neb.

Connecting with the Next Generation

Through Disasterville, high school students will not only learn about disaster response but also have the chance to interact with Army National Guard recruiters. The initiative provides a platform for young people to ask questions and explore the many career opportunities available within the National Guard, emphasizing its dual role of service and personal growth.

Conclusion

As natural disasters increasingly affect communities, Disasterville serves as a vital resource for young Americans to understand the importance of disaster preparedness and response. It does not just teach vital skills but also inspires the next generation of heroes willing to serve their country and communities. For more information about Disasterville and the Army National Guard’s commitment to education, please visit NationalGuard.com.