Veterans for Peace withdrawal protest against army simulation game

Veterans For Peace (VFP) is a national organization founded in 1985. [It] includes men and women veterans of all eras and duty stations including from the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), World War II, the Korean, Vietnam, Gulf and current Iraq wars as well as other conflicts. Our collective experience tells us wars are easy to start and hard to stop and that those hurt are often the innocent. Thus, other means of problem solving are necessary.

The Cleveland chapter of Veterans For Peace has withdrawn its protest efforts against the 'Virtual Army Experience' game, which was to be used at the Cleveland National Air Show, as the U.S. Army has agreed to limit the game to those 17 and older. Previously the game targeted teens as young as 13.

From the official website:

The Virtual Army Experience (VAE) provides participants with a virtual test drive of the United States Army. The core of the 19,500-square-foot VAE is the America’s Army computer game, rendered with state-of-the-art Army training simulation technology to create a life-size, networked virtual world. The VAE highlights key Soldier occupations, Army technologies, operating environments and missions, within a fast-paced, action-packed, information-rich experience that immerses visitors in the world of Soldiering. Participants employ teamwork, rules of engagement, leadership and high-tech equipment as they take part in a virtual U.S. Army mission.

The Army showcases the game at various festivals and air shows across the country; they removed it from Summerfest in Milwaukee last month after officials of the festival complained. Earlier this August, VFP urged supporters to call organizers of the show in Cleveland, its commercial sponsors and public officials to ask the Army not to bring the game. So it seems, a compromise has been reached.