Immersion in shooting simulations following real-world combat experience

Immersion is an important topic for virtual and augmented reality, yet some scenarios introduce unique obstacles to creating an immersive experience. Shooting simulations are especially challenging given that some threat factors cannot be replicated during use-of-force simulations. The current study addressed immersion during shooting simulations with a critical focus on combat experience. Specifically, combat veterans may not take simulators seriously, thereby limiting immersion, or prior exposure may enhance immersion as participants have experienced threat elements that simulators cannot fully replicate. All participants had the same advanced military combat training to provide a comparable skills baseline. To measure immersion while limiting self-report bias, a behavioral scientist independently observed and reported behaviors indicative of behavioral immersion. Participants completed Cognitive Marksmanship Assessments with a 180-degree display capable of providing numerous shooting simulations. Participants exhibited high immersion in shooting simulations after military training. Combat deployment experience increased immersion relative to individuals without combat experience, and immersion also significantly predicted shooting performance in simulation. Although adaptability dominated the performance domain, multiple behavioral indicators suggested deep immersion in shooting simulations. The increase among combat veterans could be attributed to experience allowing their minds to fill in missing pieces that simulators could not replicate; however, this possibility requires further experimentation. These combined results support shooting simulators as a viable training platform even among military, law enforcement, and security veterans with real-world lethal force experience—if anything, prior experience could make scenarios feel more realistic.