This report describes virtual reality technology, which
uses three-dimensional user-generated content, and its use by the U.S. military and intelligence
community for training and other purposes. Both the military and private sector use this new
technology, but terrorist groups may also be using it to train more realistically for future attacks,
while still avoiding detection on the Internet. The issues for Congress to consider may include the
cost-benefit implications of this technology, whether sufficient resources are available for the
communications infrastructure needed to support expanded use of virtual reality technology, and
whether there might be national security considerations if the United States falls behind other nations
in developing or adopting this new technology. This report will be updated as events warrant.