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FOX6 exclusive look inside iCOMBAT
FOX6 exclusive look inside iCOMBAT
WAUKESHA (WITI) -- The iCOMBAT laser tag facility in Waukesha opened this past June and their realistic simulations are now being used by law enforcement and the armed forces as a training ground.
The facility is a high-tech, 15,000 square foot area where participants run with laser tag guns, similar in size and shape to an M-16. When you're shot, sensors set off lights on your headset and vest but players get two lives.
"We're giving players a Hollywood experience where they get to be the action hero," said Andy Rasico, owner of iCOMBAT.
Marine Corps recruiter Staff Sergeant Kory Hampton uses iCOMBAT to test the skills of soon-to-be Marines.
"We take everyone who is enlisted in the Marine Corps. They've gone through the oath, they're just waiting to go to boot camp," said SSgt. Hampton. "Every time we train we try to train for as much of a real world scenario as we can -- that way when we actually go to the real thing we're prepared for it."
Police departments have also been utilizing the facility.
"We've had about 15 to 20 different agencies come through here already -- mainly for training or demos, to check it out," said Rasico.
SSgt. Hampton says the appeal of the simulation is the realism, along with team building.
"If they don't know how to work together as a team, they won't be successful in their recruit training or following along in the Marine Corps," said SSgt. Hampton.
iCOMBAT allows anyone 13 or older to play, however children under the age of 18 need parental consent. The facility also holds personal defense classes.
Click the video above to see FOX6's exclusive look inside iCOMBAT.