America's Army Operations Update

High-Tech Army Center Opens

Thought the Virtual Army Experience was cool? Wait until you see the Army Experience Center (AEC), a state-of-the-art, educational facility where visitors can virtually experience Soldiering. Located inside Philadelphia's Franklin Mills Mall, the 14,500-square-foot facility features a number of interactive simulations and online learning programs to inform visitors about Army careers, training and education opportunities. America's Army technologies are featured throughout the AEC.

The AEC highlights cutting-edge technologies with which Soldiers are equipped to accomplish complex missions. Visitors play the roles of Soldiers and engage in hands-on interaction with mission simulations, interactive displays and educational technologies.

Visitors can check out a Command and Control Center, where high-tech briefings are conducted; an interactive career center for exploring many of the 150+ Army career opportunities; and realistic AA simulators that include an Apache helicopter, a Black Hawk helicopter and an Armored Humvee vehicle. There also are gaming areas featuring Xbox 360 pods and networked personal computers for playing America's Army. The experience allows participants to see how technology, training and teamwork combine to make the Army the world's premier land force.

If you're in the Philadelphia area, be sure to visit. For more information, check out: http://www.thearmyexperience.com/.

Re-deploying: AA3 Wishlist

Since you were so helpful answering our last round of questions, we're going to be seeking your input more and more! As we prepare for the release of the latest version of America's Army, AA3, connecting with you, our community, is critical in making sure we deliver what you want.

What is your favorite community feature?

What is most important when choosing a server?

Go to http://login.americasarmy.com/newsletter_survey and check out our interactive poll for these questions and more to find out what other gamers are thinking. If you didn't get the chance to vote last time, do so now! Make your voice heard!

Welcome Home Real Hero SSG Tim Nein

America's Army Real Heroes from left to right, SGT Rieman, SSG Nein, SGT Jason Mike and SFC John Adams

America's Army Real Hero SSG Timothy Nein dropped by the Virtual Army Experience at the Indianapolis Air Show during his trip back to the U.S. for rest and recuperation (R&R). SSG Nein has served six months of his deployment in Iraq. R&R time is used by Soldiers to visit with family and friends, decompress and have some fun.

What did Nein do during his R&R? He hung out with fellow Real Hero SGT Tommy Rieman at the VAE! Here's what he said after visiting:

"The most important learning piece people can take away from the VAE is the display of teamwork that is needed to accomplish your mission. Just as in real life, you can't be a great Soldier without your peers."

Check out SGT Rieman's blog for more on Nein's visit to the VAE and his current deployment: http://www.americasarmy.com/realheroes/blogs.php?id=24.

AA 2.8.4 Introducing Deploy Client Distribution

America's Army v2.8.4 revolutionizes the way the game is distributed. The America's Army Deploy Client is a new software distribution system designed to download the game more efficiently and get you in-game faster! Plus, users will have an opportunity to select which elements of the game are of interest to them.

The Deploy client uses both peer-to-peer as well as traditional (client-server) download systems, allowing users to contribute to the community by permitting content that has already been downloaded to be sent to other peers connected to the download system. This new launching pad for the America's Army game also allows you to connect to the community forums and access support, information on the Army, and other content that will be delivered dynamically to you.

With the rollout of the Deploy Client also comes the introduction of the Deploy Provider program. This program is made up of internationally renowned download partners intent on bringing you the best and most efficient download environments. For more information, check out http://www.aadeploy.com.

Operation Night Strike

In the Army's online game Operation Night Strike, you'll learn what it takes to plan a nighttime Army operation, from the different roles Soldiers fulfill to the specialized equipment they employ to successfully accomplish their missions. Browse through the various Military Occupational Specialties and the high-tech gear deployed by today's Army. When you're ready, launch Operation Night Strike and try your hand at executing each phase of the mission. From surveillance to capture, take a look at the training, teamwork and technology that is integral to the Army's success. Visit: http://www.goarmy.com/nightstrike/index.jsp

The presence of logos, URLs or other information identifying private companies or other non-federal entities does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.