Virtual Army recruiting center to launch in 2009

A virtual Army recruiting center will be launched on Second Life in January 2009, according to the Army Training and Doctrine Command.

Two islands will be on the Second Life virtual platform, the command said Dec. 10. Second Life is a virtual world where users are able to interact with each other through avatars.

The Army Second Life islands will be information hubs for interested candidates and their families. It is designed to be a relaxed way to learn more about what it is like to be a soldier, command officials said. Army recruiters will be available to answer questions about career opportunities in that service.

Visitors enter the Second Life island through a welcome center and are greeted by an Army avatar, the command said. Visitors can attend classes and have their avatars perform tasks that include skydiving and flying an Apache helicopter.

The six-month, pilot program marks the first time the service is using the virtual landscape for recruiting purposes, command officials said.