Maybe I'm of the generation, but this doesn't surprise me one bit

Actually I think it's pretty cool!

THE XBOX AND THE IRAQ WAR:

Today’s troops are from a generation that grew up with PCs and video games. They prefer to get their news off the Internet, and play cards via a web site, or on their laptop. Military psychologists are trying to figure out what, if anything, this all means. For example, for generations, troops spent hours playing cards with their buddies. Now, the favorite form of interaction is playing against another GI on a video game, or putting together a network and doing a multiplayer session of a violent video game. The army and marines even provide modified versions of commercial games for training purposes. The commercial games often depict incorrect combat procedures. The modified versions show how to do it right, and not make a mistake that could get you killed in combat. . . .

In fact, the armed forces are quite pleased with the new skills their PC savvy recruits have brought with them. Moreover, the military does not allow booze or prostitution for the troops in combat zones these days. So compelling electronic entertainment solves a potentially serious morale problem.

Video games: Is there anything they can't do?

[Instapundit.com]