NEW YORK – The East Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance (EMBCA) presented Virtual Reality Training for High Risk Engagements from the Hellenic Revolution to Today’s Evolution Panel Discussion Webinar on February 28 in association with Florida's Plato Academy Charter Schools and AHEPA's Hellenic Cultural Commission. The panel for this unique event was moderated by technologist Eric Hill and international tax consultant Paul Pavlakos, both members of the American Hellenic Revolution Bicentennial Committee. The distinguished panel included Captain Timothy M. Hill, Commanding Officer, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division and Naval Support Activity Orlando, and  George Cheros, the President and CEO of the National Center for Simulation.

According to EMBCA Founder and President Lou Katsos, who gave the welcoming remarks, “At the dawn of the Hellenic Revolution of 1821, the world was undergoing the first Industrial Revolution. In 2021, the Bicentennial of the Hellenic Republic, we are in the midst of the fourth Industrial Revolution.”

The informative discussion with experts in the field offered insights on tech augmented training of today's modern warriors and high risk professionals, and where we are heading in the years to come.

Eric Hill introduced Cheros who gave a presentation on the National Center for Simulation (NSC) in Orlando, FL, and noted that it is the epicenter for Modeling and Simulation. Cheros pointed out that the mission of NSC is to promote, protect, and set the conditions for growing the $6 billion Florida Modeling, Simulation and Training community. When you look at direct and indirect economic impact, the amount rises to $13 billion, he said, adding that “it is a big driver in the state economy.”

The annual conference in Florida was held virtually last year due to the pandemic, but as Cheros noted, participants and presenters from around the world “attended,” highlighting the international interest in the field and the opportunity for international collaborations. Cheros also pointed out that modeling, simulation training saves time, lives and money.

Captain Timothy Hill then gave a presentation on the uses of virtual reality for training in the U.S. military with particular emphasis on the Navy. When asked about what country is the best with the use of the technology, he said for overall training and proficiency, the U.S. is best for the scale and outcome. Asked how the pandemic had affected training, Capt. Hill said that they “didn’t miss a beat” except for a couple of weeks to adjust to the new safety protocols in the office, like so many other offices, many were telecommuting. The VR glasses used in training are now cleaned after every use and special gloves are used on touch screens to keep them sanitary. Capt. Hill also noted that he stopped at Souda Bay on every one of his deployments and had a great time when he was in Greece.

The event was part of EMBCA’s American Hellenic Revolution of 1821 Bicentennial Committee series of events focusing not only on the Revolution but also importantly on the American, Diaspora and International aspects and influences of the Revolution for its 200th Anniversary.

Katsos thanked everyone for participating and noted the upcoming EMBCA events related to the bicentennial of the Hellenic Revolution. More information is available online: embca.com.

The video of the event is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jumNeet_gEo.