America's Army game approaches five million downloads

Players who complete the SFAS process have the opportunity to take on elite Special Forces roles and are qualified to play in multiplayer missions with units ranging from the elite 82d Airborne Division to the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Agencies ranging from the U.S. Navy to national laboratories now apply the "America's Army" platform for such things as mission rehearsal and training, and the development of new combat systems.

For example, developers at the U.S. Army Armament Research Development and Engineering Center use "America's Army" to model future weapons and fire-control systems.

The Talon explosive ordnance disposal robot training device is the first major system to emerge from this work. Using "America's Army" development tools, ARDEC has developed Talon models to train EOD teams in the use of this new system.

"America's Army" is an ongoing effort that will continue to expand in the breadth of occupations incorporated into the game and the depth of experiences Soldiers confront and dominate, Wardynski said. "Just as the Army is a dynamic organization, the game will remain a dynamic platform through which young Americans will be able to learn about the Army."