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Battle of Attu Virtual Staff Ride

Attu VSR
Attu VSR
 

This virtual staff ride (VSR) examines the US invasion of Attu Island in the Aleutians. The Japanese seized Attu and Kiska Islands as part of their Midway Operation in 1942. These were the only parts of US territory the Japanese seized in WWII. US forces liberated Attu in a brutal campaign in May 1943.

The primary learning objective is to discuss the insights and lessons learned in the planning and execution of amphibious operations in a unique arctic environment. The Attu VSR also offers insights into many aspects of warfare to include leadership and mission command; coordination and preparation for a change in mission; offensive operations against a well-entrenched and determined enemy; and joint operations through multiple domains.

This VSR is fully exportable to any organization that has access to the Army-licensed gaming software, Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3). Each exportable package includes full instructor support materials, participant readings, and instructions on how to use everything. Please see below.

Battle of Attu Virtual Staff Ride Material

Battle of Attu VSR Introduction

Battle of Attu VSR Introduction

This file provides an overview of the VSR, what products comprise the VSR, how to download the products, and how they are used to conduct the VSR. The exportable VSR contains all the elements of a “ground” staff ride, but with the terrain being presented with a computer in a classroom environment.

Download the VSR Introduction

Virtual Terrain for the Battle of Attu

Virtual Terrain for the Battle of Attu

The VSR runs off the Army’s games-for-training platform, Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3). Only current license holders with a CAC enabled computer can operate VBS3 at the present time. New license download authorizations are unavailable due to contract restrictions with the software manufacturer. Use this link  to access the Army’s Milgaming site for the terrain files. After downloading VBS3, the user must download the terrain and model files and then upload them into VBS3. Detailed instructions on how to complete this process are at the Milgaming link. For technical questions or issues relating to VBS3, contact customer support at Bohemia Interactive Simulations at (866) 755-5127.

Army Milgaming Site

Preliminary Study Materials

Preliminary Study Materials

These materials help prepare staff ride participants for their virtual visit to the campaign area. The Attu read ahead is two short readings that cover the Aleutian campaign and the invasion of Attu.

Download the
Preliminary Instructions

Download CMH Pub 72-6

Download On Point Article

Field Phase and Materials

Field Phase and Materials

These resources are for the staff ride facilitator or instructor. The walkbook contains the materials the instructor uses to tie the terrain, the historical narrative, and the visual aids together. The visual aids help keep the participants oriented to the virtual terrain and to the historical context of the operation. A separate set of operating instructions are included for the computer operator, to include videos, to synchronize terrain movements with the historical narrative.

Download the Walkbook

Download the Visual Aids part 1

Download the Visual Aids part 2