Established in 2013, the GFT programme enables mission rehearsal and self-development across Army training environments. BISim has supported the initiative since 2009, initially through VBS2 and later with VBS3, securing a five-year enterprise licence in 2022.
“Upgrading to VBS4 allows us to take full advantage of the latest advancements in virtual game training technology,” said David Perez, U.S. Army GFT programme manager. “Our mission is to ensure soldiers are trained and ready for the complexities of the modern battlefield.”
Used in over 80 simulation centres, schools, and training sites, the GFT programme is the Army’s most extensively deployed game-based training tool. VBS4 enhances this foundation with a low-overhead platform designed for a range of training—from individual skills to command-level exercises.
“Supporting the U.S. Army’s vision for modernizing its training enterprise reflects a longstanding partnership built on trust, adaptability, and a shared commitment to innovation,” said Pete Morrison, chief product officer at BISim. “This upgrade provides tools that help prepare warriors for the missions of today and the challenges of tomorrow.”
Now entering the third option year of its current GFT contract, the Army’s shift to VBS4 aligns with its broader game-based training objectives. The upgrade introduces improved graphics, performance enhancements, a simplified user interface, and access to a powerful whole-earth terrain server to support more realistic and scalable virtual environments.
