Students Explore Navy Careers Through Innovative VR Experience

Students at Tulare Union High School in California had the opportunity to explore potential careers in the U.S. Navy through an innovative virtual reality (VR) experience. This initiative, part of the Navy’s latest strike team effort, aims to connect youth with various Navy job opportunities in an engaging and interactive way.

The mobile VR setup, developed in partnership with VML Advertising and Marketing Agency, features three display stations designed to immerse students in different career paths within the Navy. According to Ken Woodmansee from VML, the project leverages cutting-edge technology to gamify tasks associated with Navy roles, making it more relatable for younger audiences. “By developing this mobile attraction, we meet young people where they like to be in terms of gaming,” he explained.

Since its launch, the strike team has visited over 200 sites, reaching thousands of students across the United States. On October 23, 2023, the team made a stop at Tulare Union High School, where it continued its mission to educate students about available opportunities in the Navy. Principal Michelle Nunley emphasized the importance of this initiative: “We want to ensure students know all the opportunities available so they can make informed decisions about their futures.”

The interactive experience is not only beneficial for the Navy’s recruitment efforts but also for students like Ayden Carrillo, a junior at Tulare Union. “It makes me feel really excited because it opens more doors for me,” he shared. Ayden expressed that before the VR event, he had not considered a career in the Navy, but the experience has inspired him to think differently.

Freshman Osie Early encouraged his peers to explore military options, stating, “If you don’t know what you want to do in life, try this. You don’t know what can happen.” This sentiment captures the essence of the Navy’s outreach efforts, which aim to plant seeds for future generations by broadening students’ horizons.

The strike team is set to continue its journey, with the next event scheduled for October 25, 2023, at Golden West High School. Schools interested in hosting the strike team can contact them through the U.S. Navy website for further information.

By utilizing virtual reality to bridge the gap between education and career exploration, the Navy is not only enhancing its recruitment strategy but also empowering young people to envision their futures in new and exciting ways.