Navy using Kinect game to address sexual assault

A new Kinect-based video game that aims to address sexual assault within the military is in production for the United States Navy, according to a new report at CNS News.

The Naval Supply Systems Command is giving $83,000 to developer Organic Motion Inc. to produce the software, which will allow sailors to act out "scripted scenarios."

The program is called "Avatar Based Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training." Sexual assault in the military has become a hot-button issue of late, with victims reporting difficulty pursuing justice in the military chain of command.

“The system shall allow a subject matter expert to determine the appropriate response to both verbal and non-verbal cues so that the student receives improved feedback regarding their actions,” the contract reads. “It shall also provide the ability to change characters (gender, race) and environments facilitating greater student engagement.”

In a statement sent to CNS News, Rear Adm. Dee Mewbourne, a commander with the Naval Training Command, said the avatar-based program will "dramatically improve" overall quality of training to instructors and students.

"The pilot [program] is intended to show that avatar technology can help leaders recognize emotional distress and build mentorship and counseling skills when dealing with sensitive topics, like sexual assault," he said. "Because our people are the foundation of our success in the Navy, strong interpersonal skills are fundamental to our profession."

The pilot program will be used at the Navy's boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois over the course of a three-month period.