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{{dablink|This article is about the computer game '''America's Army'''. For the Army of the United States, see [[United States Army]].}}

{{about|the computer game|Army of the United States|United States Army}}

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| align=center colspan=2|<font size="2">'''''America's Army'''''</font>

| align=center colspan=2|<span style="font-size:small;">'''''America's Army'''''</span>

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'''''America's Army''''' is a [[multiplayer]] [[first-person shooter]] [[computer game]] series. It can be played using [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Apple Macintosh|Macintosh]], or [[Linux]]. It is the official game of the [[United States Army]]. The first version was free. It came out on July 4, 2002. It has been updated many times since then. The second important release was ''America's Army: Special Forces'' in November 2003. ''America's Army'' was made by the ''[[MOVES Institute]]'' at the [[Naval Postgraduate School]]. It is based on the [[Unreal engine]].

'''''America's Army''''' is a [[multiplayer]] [[first-person shooter]] [[computer game]] series. It can be played using [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Apple Macintosh|Macintosh]], or [[Linux]]. It is the official game of the [[United States Army]]. The first version was free. It came out on July 4, 2002. It has been updated many times since then. The second important release was ''America's Army: Special Forces'' in November 2003. ''America's Army'' was made by the ''[[MOVES Institute]]'' at the [[Naval Postgraduate School]]. It is based on the [[Unreal engine]].

 

== Overview ==

==Overview==

''America's Army'' is a [[tactical shooter]]. ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' called it a "serious game", "part of a new wave of computer simulations that provide entertaining lessons about real-world activities".<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=December 9, 2003 |last=Bray |first=Hiawatha |title=New Take On The Game of Life |url=https://archive.boston.com/business/articles/2003/12/09/new_take_on_the_game_of_life/ |access-date=October 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323231648/https://archive.boston.com/business/articles/2003/12/09/new_take_on_the_game_of_life/ |archive-date=March 23, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> According to the game's website, America's Army "provides civilians with an inside perspective and a virtual role in today's premier land force: the U.S. Army. The game is designed for verisimilitude and to provide an accurate portrayal of Soldier experiences across a number of occupations. In the game, players will explore progressive individual and collective training events within the game. Once they successfully completed these events they will advance to multiplayer operations in small units."

''America's Army'' is a [[tactical shooter]]. It is also called a "[[serious game]]s". According to the game's website, America's Army "provides civilians with an inside perspective and a virtual role in today's premier land force: the U.S. Army. The game is designed for verisimilitude and to provide an accurate portrayal of Soldier experiences across a number of occupations. In the game, players will explore progressive individual and collective training events within the game. Once they successfully completed these events they will advance to multiplayer operations in small units."

On February 20, 2005 there were 4.6 million registered players, and 2.7 [[million]] of them had finished basic training.{{fact|date=April 2012}} Also, there were more than 15,000 servers being used, and 1.3 million rounds being played each day. The game has been changed a lot. This keeps people interested in the game. It can be found as a free download on the [[Internet]] or on a [[CD-ROM]] at recruiting centers around the [[United States]].

On February 20, 2005 there were 4.6 million registered players, and 2.7 [[million]] of them had finished basic training.{{fact|date=April 2012}} Also, there were more than 15,000 servers being used, and 1.3 million rounds being played each day. The game has been changed a lot. This keeps people interested in the game. It can be found as a free download on the [[Internet]] or on a [[CD-ROM]] at recruiting centers around the [[United States]].

 

== History ==

==History==

In 1999, [[Lieutenant Colonel]] E. Casey Wardynski, a professor at the [[United States Military Academy|U.S Military Academy]] at [[West Point, New York|West Point]] decided to tell the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Military [[Manpower]] about his idea for an online computer game. His basic idea eventually became '''America's Army'''. In the same year, fewer people were joining the army.[http://www.cnn.com/US/9909/30/army.recruitment/#1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050316054833/http://www.cnn.com/US/9909/30/army.recruitment/#1 |date=2005-03-16 }}. [[United States Congress|Congress]] decided to use "aggressive, innovative experiments" including '''America's Army''' to get more people to join the Army.

In 1999, [[Lieutenant Colonel]] E. Casey Wardynski, a professor at the [[United States Military Academy|U.S Military Academy]] at [[West Point, New York|West Point]] decided to tell the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Military [[Manpower]] about his idea for an online computer game. His basic idea eventually became '''America's Army'''. In the same year, fewer people were joining the army.[http://www.cnn.com/US/9909/30/army.recruitment/#1]. [[United States Congress|Congress]] decided to use "aggressive, innovative experiments" including '''America's Army''' to get more people to join the Army.

The first release was July 4, 2002, and other changes (called patches) were added. On November 6, 2003, version 2.0 of ''America's Army: Special Forces'' was made. (Go [[America's Army#Versions|here]] for more information about the different version). The Army is spending about [[United States dollar|USD]]$3 million a year to make more versions of the game.

The first release was July 4, 2002, and other changes (called patches) were added. On November 6, 2003, version 2.0 of ''America's Army: Special Forces'' was made. (Go [[America's Army#Versions|here]] for more information about the different version). The Army is spending about [[United States dollar|USD]]$3 million a year to make more versions of the game.

Another AA version called ''America's Army: Rise of a Soldier'' is available on [[Playstation 2]] and [[Xbox]]. This version was developed by [[UbiSoft]]. [http://games.teamxbox.com/xbox/873/Americas-Army/]

Another AA version called ''America's Army: Rise of a Soldier'' is available on [[Playstation 2]] and [[Xbox]]. This version was developed by [[UbiSoft]]. [http://games.teamxbox.com/xbox/873/Americas-Army/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050206213829/http://games.teamxbox.com/xbox/873/Americas-Army/ |date=2005-02-06 }}

Since ''America's Army'' was created, people have complained about its purpose. People have argued about the Army using its money to make a game. They are also worried about how this game will change people's lives.

Since ''America's Army'' was created, people have complained about its purpose. People have argued about the Army using its money to make a game. They are also worried about how this game will change people's lives.

 

== Gameplay ==

==Gameplay==

In ''America's Army'' there are teams of soldiers fighting in a war. The person who is playing controls a soldier of the ''[[US Army]]'' from the character's eyes. This is called [[First-person perspective|first person]].

In ''America's Army'' there are teams of soldiers fighting in a war. The person who is playing controls a soldier of the ''[[US Army]]'' from the character's eyes. This is called [[First-person perspective|first person]].

Players fight as either the [[US Army]] or [[Indigenous peoples|Indigenous]] forces ("IF"). They fight against a team called "OPFOR" (Army lingo for "[[Opposing Force]]s"). There are different kinds of OPFORs called ''[[insurgent]]s'', ''[[enemy]] forces'' or ''[[terrorists]]''.

Players fight as either the [[US Army]] or [[Indigenous peoples|Indigenous]] forces ("IF"). They fight against a team called "OPFOR" (Army lingo for "[[Opposing Force]]s"). There are different kinds of OPFORs called ''[[insurgent]]s'', ''[[enemy]] forces'' or ''[[terrorists]]''.

 

== US/OPFOR Transformation for Teams ==

===US/OPFOR Transformation for Teams===

One of ''America's Army'''s different features is the way the enemies are. The players are split into two different teams. There is usually an ''assault'' group and a ''defense'' group. The ''assault'' loses the round if the time limit runs out, which is usually ten minutes.

One of ''America's Army'''s different features is the way the enemies are. The players are split into two different teams. There is usually an ''assault'' group and a ''defense'' group. The ''assault'' loses the round if the time limit runs out, which is usually ten minutes.

On the Special Forces maps, players can also play as non-uniformed people with [[Eastern bloc]] weapons (known as [[Indigenous]] forces ("IF") in the game), but be on the same team as regular army forces.

On the Special Forces maps, players can also play as non-uniformed people with [[Eastern bloc]] weapons (known as [[Indigenous]] forces ("IF") in the game), but be on the same team as regular army forces.

This is confusing to many players because when they pick up an enemy weapon, it works differently than the US version. An AK-47 removed from a fallen opponent is fully automatic, more powerful, but less accurate than his M16. But when his opponent had it, to him it ''was'' an M16. The important thing is that each weapon behaves as the owner sees it. It transforms when it is picked up. If people pay a lot of attention might notice that the enemies weapons behave [[wikt:wrong|wrong]], but it is hard to notice.

This is confusing to many players because when they pick up an enemy weapon, it works differently than the US version. An AK-47 removed from a fallen opponent is fully automatic, more powerful, but less accurate than his M16. But when his opponent had it, to him it ''was'' an M16. The important thing is that each weapon behaves as the owner sees it. It transforms when it is picked up. If people pay a lot of attention might notice that the enemies weapons behave [[wrong|wrong]], but it is hard to notice.

Every round starts with both teams [[Spawning (computer gaming)|spawning]] at the same time. Players can join the other team, but cannot play as the OPFOR. Equipment is not bought but selected through choosing a class.

Every round starts with both teams [[Spawning (computer gaming)|spawning]] at the same time. Players can join the other team, but cannot play as the OPFOR. Equipment is not bought but selected through choosing a class.

 

== Goals and scoring system ==

===Goals and scoring system===

The goal of the game is to complete the objectives, kill the enemy team. For example, one objective could be to kill the ''[[V.I.P.]]'', who is trying to survive and escape. If a player joined the other team, he would have to protect the same V.I.P. The round is over if a team wins0, or if the time limit is reached. For a listing of missions go[[America's Army#Missions and maps|here]].

The goal of the game is to complete the objectives, kill the enemy team. For example, one objective could be to kill the ''[[V.I.P.]]'', who is trying to survive and escape. If a player joined the other team, he would have to protect the same V.I.P. The round is over if a team wins0, or if the time limit is reached. For a listing of missions go[[America's Army#Missions and maps|here]].

The game remembers how many people each player has killed, how many times each team has won, how many times each player has been killed, and how well the player is completing the objectives. The game then distributes score which calculates the player's "Honor" level.

The game remembers how many people each player has killed, how many times each team has won, how many times each player has been killed, and how well the player is completing the objectives. The game then distributes score which calculates the player's "Honor" level.

Every time a player is killed, every time he fails to protect an objective which he is assigned to defend, and especially every killing of teammates or his [[wikt:ally|allies]] caused by [[friendly fire]] is called a violation of the ''ROE'' ([[Rules of engagement]]) in the game and has an extremely negative effect on his score and "Honor". If too many points are lost in a round, the player is put in "jail" and kicked out of the server. As of February 2005 95.2% of AA players had 0-20 HONOR points, 3.3% had 20-40 points, 1% had 40-60, and .4% had 61-80 points.

Every time a player is killed, every time he fails to protect an objective which he is assigned to defend, and especially every killing of teammates or his [[ally|allies]] caused by [[friendly fire]] is called a violation of the ''ROE'' ([[Rules of engagement]]) in the game and has an extremely negative effect on his score and "Honor". If too many points are lost in a round, the player is put in "jail" and kicked out of the server. As of February 2005 95.2% of AA players had 0-20 HONOR points, 3.3% had 20-40 points, 1% had 40-60, and .4% had 61-80 points.

Every healing of injured teammates and every killing of opponents increases a players score and "Honor". Completing the game's missions affects a player's score in a good way and his "Honor" points as well. The score is saved in the player's account that was being used. Some servers only allow players with certain Honor levels to join. The most common is to not let anyone with less than 10 Honor in because this is the base level that everyone starts with. Some also do not let players with too much Honor in. The developers say that "Honor" is based on the values of the Army: "[[Loyalty]], [[Duty]], [[:wikt:respect|Respect]], Selfless Service, Honor, [[Integrity]] and Personal [[Courage]] or [[Leadership]]". Its main purpose in the game is stop "team-killing", which is a problem in a lot of online first-person shooters (see [[team killer]]).

Every healing of injured teammates and every killing of opponents increases a players score and "Honor". Completing the game's missions affects a player's score in a good way and his "Honor" points as well. The score is saved in the player's account that was being used. Some servers only allow players with certain Honor levels to join. The most common is to not let anyone with less than 10 Honor in because this is the base level that everyone starts with. Some also do not let players with too much Honor in. The developers say that "Honor" is based on the values of the Army: "[[Loyalty]], [[Duty]], [[:respect|Respect]], Selfless Service, Honor, [[Integrity]] and Personal [[Courage]] or [[Leadership]]". Its main purpose in the game is stop "team-killing", which is a problem in a lot of online first-person shooters (see [[team killer]]).

== Weaponry and equipment ==

===Weaponry and equipment===

The game depicts real guns. The guns have all the same traits as the real versions. Each gun has different [[accuracy]], power, [[recoil]], and rate of [[jamming]]. To aim, there are [[cross-hairs]] and [[iron sights]].

The game depicts real guns. The guns have all the same traits as the real versions. Each gun has different [[accuracy]], power, [[recoil]], and rate of [[jamming]]. To aim, there are [[cross-hairs]] and [[iron sights]].

In the newer versions of the game players can make changes to their weapons. For example, the [[M4 Carbine]] can be change in different ways and let the soldier have features that work better on a certain map. For example, on a large map a scope and a bi-pod might be picked, but in a city a player might choose only iron sights and a [[M203 grenade launcher]].

In the newer versions of the game players can make changes to their weapons. For example, the [[M4 Carbine]] can be change in different ways and let the soldier have features that work better on a certain map. For example, on a large map a scope and a bi-pod might be picked, but in a city a player might choose only iron sights and a [[M203 grenade launcher]].

 

== Classes and weaponry ==

===Classes and weaponry===

Every player starts the round with one or two guns, some grenades and, on some maps, [[night vision goggles]] or [[binoculars]]. A list of the weapons is here:

Every player starts the round with one or two guns, some grenades and, on some maps, [[night vision goggles]] or [[binoculars]]. A list of the weapons is here:

***** HeatShield - a shield to prevent burns

***** HeatShield - a shield to prevent burns

**** Bottom Rail

**** Bottom Rail

***** M203 Grenade Launcher (Must Be used with Leaf Sight on Front Rail)- a explosive shell that fires once before reloading

***** M203 Grenade Launcher (Must Be used with Leaf Sight on Front Rail)- an explosive shell that fires once before reloading

***** Flare Launcher (Must Be used with Leaf Sight on Front Rail) - a flare grenade

***** Flare Launcher (Must Be used with Leaf Sight on Front Rail) - a flare grenade

***** Harris Bipod - a bipod structure to stabilize your weapon

***** Harris Bipod - a bipod structure to stabilize your weapon

* AGP-DB14 Door Breacher (new in Q-Course (version 2.4))

* AGP-DB14 Door Breacher (new in Q-Course (version 2.4))

* US [[Stryker]] [[Armoured Personnel Carrier]] looks like a Russian [[BTR-80]] if on the other side. In old releases A 50-caliber machine gun on the roof can be controlled from inside, but cannot be driven around.

* US [[Stryker]] [[Armoured Personnel Carrier]] looks like a Russian [[BTR-80]] if on the other side. In old releases A 50-caliber machine gun on the roof can be controlled from inside, but cannot be driven around.

 

== Weapons planned for future versions ==

====Weapons planned for future versions====

 

* The [[XM25]] weapon. The XM25 in AA will be an assault weapon that fires an [[Airburst]] round using a special launcher.

* The [[XM25]] weapon. The XM25 in AA will be an assault weapon that fires an [[Airburst]] round using a special launcher.

* [[TALON Robot]]. The robot will be a radio controlled machine that looks like the [[Goliath]] from [[World War II]], but instead of exploding it has special tools that can be used for defusing a bomb or helping people that are stuck in dangerous locations.

* [[TALON Robot]]. The robot will be a radio controlled machine that looks like the [[Goliath]] from [[World War II]], but instead of exploding it has special tools that can be used for defusing a bomb or helping people that are stuck in dangerous locations.

* [[JAVELIN Rocket Launcher]]. The Javelin is an anti-vehicle, self-guided rocket. It can also be used against bunkers and other strong locations. In AA it will have a special scope target system and can be carried on a player's back. (Note: Included in version 2.8)

* [[JAVELIN Rocket Launcher]]. The Javelin is an anti-vehicle, self-guided rocket. It can also be used against bunkers and other strong locations. In AA it will have a special scope target system and can be carried on a player's back. (Note: Included in version 2.8)

* Other planned game weapons include small bombs used to open locked doors (included in 2.8), a shotgun (also used to open doors), and land mines. The land mines are armed and placed like a hand grenade, but they would not explode until triggered. They are also working on making more drivable vehicles, like an armored [[HMMWV]], which was in a video at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] (E3), and has also been included in version 2.8, though only in one mission.

* Other planned game weapons include small bombs used to open locked doors (included in 2.8), a shotgun (also used to open doors), and land mines. The land mines are armed and placed like a hand grenade, but they would not explode until triggered. They are also working on making more drivable vehicles, like an armored [[HMMWV]], which was in a video at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] (E3), and has also been included in version 2.8, though only in one mission.

 

== Missions and maps ==

===Missions and maps===

The map list is sorted by the version they were released with, with newer maps coming first. The game currently has 28 [[multiplayer]] [[Level (computer and video games)|maps]] and 14 [[single player]] training missions. Completing these training missions unlocks things like the ability to play [[online]] or to become a [[medic]], a special forces unit or a [[sniper]]. Maps have different sizes, objectives, and weapons that players can have.  

The map list is sorted by the version they were released with, with newer maps coming first. The game currently has 28 [[multiplayer]] [[Level (computer and video games)|maps]] and 14 [[single player]] training missions. Completing these training missions unlocks things like the ability to play [[online]] or to become a [[medic]], a special forces unit or a [[sniper]]. Maps have different sizes, objectives, and weapons that players can have.  

However, no known custom maps have been made because there is no [[level editor]] for the game and the developers made it impossible for players to use the [[level design]] computer program ''[[UnrealEd]]'', which works for other [[Unreal engine]] games.

However, no known custom maps have been made because there is no [[level editor]] for the game and the developers made it impossible for players to use the [[level design]] computer program ''[[UnrealEd]]'', which works for other [[Unreal engine]] games.

** ''Bridge Crossing'', a foggy winter map with each side starting on one side of a long bridge. One side must stop the other from crossing.

** ''Bridge Crossing'', a foggy winter map with each side starting on one side of a long bridge. One side must stop the other from crossing.

** ''MOUT McKenna'', a training level in a fake city, kind of like city [[paintball]] courses. This map features [[Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System|MILES]].

** ''MOUT McKenna'', a training level in a fake city, kind of like city [[paintball]] courses. This map features [[Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System|MILES]].

 

== Versions ==

==Versions==

Newest Version is 2.8.3.1

Newest Version is 2.8.3.1

* Version 2.5.0 - ''America's Army: Special Forces (Direct Action)'' — (released: October 13, 2005) (Windows, Linux, Mac)

* Version 2.5.0 - ''America's Army: Special Forces (Direct Action)'' — (released: October 13, 2005) (Windows, Linux, Mac)

== Other websites ==

== Other websites ==

* [http://www.americasarmy.com/ Official America's Army Website]  

* [http://www.americasarmy.com/ Official America's Army Website]  

* [http://www.aa-overview.com ''AA-Overview.com''] (Independent and non-sponsored fansite)

* [http://www.aa-overview.com ''AA-Overview.com''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109061600/http://aa-overview.com/ |date=2016-01-09 }} (Independent and non-sponsored fansite)

* [http://www.aaotracker.com/ AAO-Tracker (The biggest AA community in the world)]

* [http://www.aaotracker.com/ AAO-Tracker (The biggest AA community in the world)]

* [http://www.americasarmy.fr/ French America's Army Website]  

* [http://www.americasarmy.fr/ French America's Army Website]  

* [http://aa-maps.net/ Americas Army Custom Mapping Website]

* [http://aa-maps.net/ Americas Army Custom Mapping Website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019163214/http://www.aa-maps.net/ |date=2006-10-19 }}

[[Category:Shooter video games]]

[[Category:Shooter video games]]

[[Category:2002 video games]]

[[Category:2002 video games]]