Arsenal Tech High School – Adventure Trailer

Writer & Photographer – LTC (Ret) Ryan Core

Indianapolis, IN – Junior ROTC cadets at Arsenal Tech High School were treated to an action-packed experience when U.S. Army recruiters visited their school, bringing along the Army Recruiting Command’s cutting-edge Adventure Trailer. Over the course of two days, more than 60 students cycled through the immersive activities, gaining a taste of military life like never before. The Adventure Trailer was outfitted with state-of-the-art virtual reality simulations using screens and virtual reality (VR) headsets that allowed students to fly an Apache helicopter, skydive with the U.S. Army Golden Knights, take aim on a virtual target range, and even fend off an virtual alien invasion using a 240B machine gun.

One student described the skydiving simulation as exhilarating. “It felt like I was really skydiving!” he said, grinning ear to ear. Strapped into a harness and wearing VR goggles, he controlled his descent by manipulating the risers. “I want to do this for real!” he exclaimed. The recruiters aimed to make the experience both educational and exciting, helping students understand the technology and teamwork involved in Army careers. “We’re here to give them a hands-on taste of the opportunities available in the Army,” one recruiter said.

Arsenal Tech High School would like to give a big shout-out to US Army recruiters who managed the event: Captain Austin Klingensmith, Staff Sergeant José Figueroa, and Staff Sergeant Phillip Nixon. Greatly enhancing their efforts for the day were the techno-wizards who set up and operated the Adventure Trailer: Sergeant First Class Jasmine Wilson and Sergeant First Class Lloyd Sherman. The visit not only brought a unique energy to the school but also left many students inspired. Arsenal Tech’s JROTC program continues to provide opportunities for students to explore their potential and develop leadership skills, and events like this help them see how those skills can translate into exciting careers.