The U.S. Army opened the Army Experience Center (AEC), a state-of-the-art educational facility where visitors can virtually experience many aspects of Army life. Located inside Franklin Mills Mall in Philadelphia, the 14,500-square-foot facility is the centerpiece of the Army Experience Pilot Program to test and evaluate new marketing strategies. The facility features a number of interactive simulations and online learning programs to inform visitors about the many Army careers, training and educational opportunities. AEC visitors will virtually experience the Army through hands-on interactive displays and educational technologies.

The AEC is a hub for education and community outreach programs. We have partnered with educational institutions to bring programs and interactive career resources to the Philadelphia area.

The AEC highlights how Soldiers are equipped with cutting-edge technologies to accomplish complex missions by putting visitors in the roles of Soldiers and providing them hands-on interaction with mission simulations. The experience allows participants to see how technology, training and teamwork combine to make the Army the world's premier land power.

Today's high-tech young men and women are continually bombarded with information about their world through a burgeoning social media environment. Accurate information about the military experience is often drowned out, or the information that does get through projects mixed messages or inaccuracies. The Army Experience Center provides hands-on virtual reality experiences and simulations for young men and women, their parents and other influencers to see, touch and learn firsthand what it means to be in the Army. In doing so, they are enabled to have fully informed and meaningful discussions about the Army and its many opportunities.

Inside the AEC
With a view toward a fun and engaging encounter, the high-tech experience includes real Soldiers leading visitors through Army equipment simulators, interactive installations and Army online education programs.

* Registration Area-All ages are allowed to visit the AEC, but to participate in AEC activities visitors must be at least 13. Many of the gaming activities are rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Visitors must register and provide their age and basic contact information, which will be used to send information about upcoming AEC events.

* Career Navigators-Visitors can use interactive career navigators to map out prospective careers in the Army. A number of videos showcase career paths.

* Simulator Area-Several simulators are located at our facility. Many are based on applications developed on the America's Army game platform.

They include:
- An Apache helicopter simulator in which a pilot and copilot experience the aircraft and its weapons systems.
- A Black Hawk helicopter simulator with four door-gunner positions.
- An armored HMMWV simulator with positions for a driver and several gunners.

* Gaming Arena-Visitors can play America's Army, the Army's official computer game, as well as other games (rated T for Teen). There will be a number of Xbox 360(r) consoles plus networked PCs for video games.

* Tactical Operations Center (TOC)-The TOC highlights Army career opportunities in communications, command and control, military intelligence and technology. A dual-purpose area, the TOC is used for group presentations and online education.

* Retail-Offers Army-branded merchandise and snacks.

* Cafe & Lounge-Area for hanging out or talking with Soldiers.