84% of Airmen say using VR improved their medical skills

(Left to right) U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Adriana Jackson, 28th Operations Support Squadron all source intelligence analyst, Capt. Ryley McCarthy, 28th Operations Support Squadron chief of combat intelligence cell and U.S. Army Sgt. Melody Irwin, 1st Medical Brigade animal care technician, perform tactical combat casualty care training using virtual reality at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 30, 2025. Ellsworth Airmen had the opportunity to collaborate and work as a team utilizing a VR training module with multiplayer functionality. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dylan Maher)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Virtual Reality-Based Embodied Cognition Training

Published April 15, 2026
By JSOU/AFSOC

Virtual reality (VR) has promised improvements to many facets of life. Using it for education has been long touted but is still nascent in SOF training and education. This topic explores the use of VR to enhance embodied cognition—the theory that our physical bodies play a crucial role in shaping our thoughts and understanding. Research could investigate the effectiveness of VR-based simulations for developing spatial reasoning, problem-solving skills, and creativity/creative thinking (mission command).

84% of Airmen say using VR improved their medical skills