An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Command Center Alpha brings ‘augmented reality’ to show

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Eikren
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  A mobile, marketing experience called Command Center Alpha was on display at Scott for the air show Saturday and Sunday.

Command Center Alpha is a first-of-its-kind augmented reality, mobile tour experience that immerses visitors in the "sci-fi" world of the U.S. Air Force. The interactive tour includes 3-D computer graphics, videos, educational kiosks, digital downloads and a full-size F-16 Thunderbird display at some locations.

Augmented reality is an interactive experience where virtual components merge into a live video stream in real-time. Visitors use handheld devices, which when placed on triggers located throughout the exhibit, let viewers experience an augmented reality in the form of 3-D animations and video.

"The tour is set up to familiarize people with the Air Force's technologic reality by sharing information through its interactive experience," said Master Sgt. Lucas Johnson, 345th Recruiting Squadron.

The mobile marketing tour is a part of the Air Force's sci-fi advertising campaign that is geared toward demonstrating technology that was thought to be science fiction, but is used by the Air Force today.

"Inside the tour, people go through interactive videos and graphics that show the special operations aspects that are employed," Johnson said.

Command Center Alpha also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the variety of job opportunities the Air Force offers.

Johnson said, "Command Center Alpha is used by recruiters to show families who we are and what the Air Force looks like."

Along with Command Center Alpha, Air Force Recruiting Services also employs an "X-1" Ford Mustang and the "Vapor" Dodge Challenger to promote Air Force opportunities at air shows and local community events. The "super cars" showcased technology and were developed to demonstrate how a passion for cars and mechanics can develop into a career in the U.S. Air Force.