U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Lexi Kleespies and Sgt. Zachary Obrigewitch, marketing specialists with the North Dakota Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion get a first look at the CareerViewXR field trip.
[FARGO, N.D.] January 17, 2025 - The North Dakota Army National Guard has worked with immersive career exploration platform CareerViewXR to bring the excitement and challenge of the annual Best Warrior Competition to classrooms nationwide. Held from August 15-18, 2024, at Camp Grafton Training Center in Devils Lake, North Dakota, this year’s competition was captured in 360-degree detail to create a virtual field trip experience showcasing the dedication, skills, and training of Army National Guard Soldiers.
The Best Warrior Competition brought together over 20 Soldiers from across North Dakota. Participants faced a strenuous three-day series of events, including; fitness assessments, leadership exams, marksmanship with rifles, pistols, and other weapon systems, emergency medical care, field navigation, and more. The competitors were made up of Soldiers and Non-commissioned Officers with various roles and specialties. Designed to push competitors to their limits, the competition also fosters confidence and professionalism throughout the ranks.
Marketing specialist, U.S. Army Sgt. Zachary Obrigewitch highlighted the competition and collaboration.
“The Best Warrior competition deserves public attention because of the complex and encompassing challenges,” said Obrigewitch. “Students and job seekers will be able to experience the inspiring call to military service closer now, than ever before.”
The CareerViewXR team spent two days filming the competition, capturing key moments from events such as the confidence course, rappel wall, and tear gas. From this footage, they produced a virtual reality (VR) field trip and companion web-based tour that offers an up-close look at the life and training of a Soldier.
These can be used on VR headsets, smartphones, tablets, and laptops, making it easy for students and adult job seekers to explore at anytime from anywhere. Organizations in the U.S. and beyond will have access to the VR video and web-based tour starting on March 1st, 2025, when it’s launched alongside other new field trips on the CareerViewXR platform.
Currently, all public and private North Dakota middle school and high school students have access to the full library of 90 field trips through the RU Ready platform.
This is the first military-focused career experience to join the CareerViewXR ranks.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our first-ever military field trip to the CareerViewXR library, offering students across the nation a unique opportunity to step virtually into the life of a Soldier and see how their strengths could translate to a meaningful career in the armed forces,” stated Karen Berntson, CareerViewXR COO. “This experience not only aligns with the North Dakota Choice Ready framework’s focus on leadership, service, and career readiness—but also broadens perspectives for students who may never have considered military service as an option.” Berntson concluded, “Partnering with the North Dakota Army National Guard has been an incredible honor, and their commitment to excellence made it possible for us to capture an authentic, immersive glimpse into military life.”
Ultimately, this year’s Best Warrior competition top honors went to Sgt. Joseph Kane of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion and Spc. Jonathan Nistler of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. Awarded Soldiers advance to regional and national competitions as part of their pursuit of the prestigious Best Warrior title.
When asked about what planning, filming, and post-production of the immersive field trip was like, those involved on the CareerViewXR team had great things to say about the experience. Joey Schmit, Director of Operations shared, “Collaborating with the Army National Guard to witness the grit and determination of the Best Warrior competitors was truly eye-opening. We were honored to be invited on-site to capture and share a virtual reality experience for students and those curious about the Guard.” He added, “This incredible opportunity, years in the making, proudly highlights the skills of those defending and supporting our country.”
Project Manager Ashley Erdmann noted similar positive sentiments. “Working alongside the Army National Guard was an incredible experience. I am truly impressed by the dedication and skill of the men and women who participated.” Erdmann continued, “The entire process was seamless, thanks to the NDARNG’s outstanding communication, organization, and their commitment to ensuring everything ran smoothly. Their efforts turned what could have been a complex production into a streamlined success.”
This new virtual experience will have a special debut in Bismarck, ND during “Immersive Day at the Capitol” on January 21, 2025, showcasing how CareerViewXR’s platform can bring real-world career exploration anywhere. Legislators and others will be able to step into the action by entering an interactive room decked out with projectors for viewing in the North Dakota Capitol’s Legislative Hall.
Representatives from the North Dakota Army National Guard and CareerViewXR will be present to speak with any visitors. In addition to showcasing the completed Army National Guard experience, various field trips featuring other career pathways will be available to explore, including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
Sgt. Zachary Obrigewitch received a sneak peek into the immersive room. “The immersive room challenges the senses and truly makes you feel like you are low crawling under the wire, descending the rappel tower, and enduring the ruck march.”
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About the North Dakota Army National Guard
The North Dakota Army National Guard is a trained and highly motivated force of about 3,000 Citizen-Soldiers. We are always prepared to provide ready units, individuals, and equipment in support of our communities, state, and nation. Always ready, always there. Learn more at ndarmyguard.com.
About CareerViewXR
CareerViewXR is an immersive career exploration platform that brings field trips to the classroom through 360-degree web-based tours and companion virtual reality videos. Students and adult job seekers alike can explore engaging tours highlighting in-demand industries like skilled trades, healthcare, energy, and more. Best of all – VR headsets are completely optional; the content is accessible on devices you already own – including laptops, cell phones, and tablets. Explore more at careerviewxr.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Maddysen Boecker, Communication Manager at CareerViewXR by Be More Colorful
(701) 353-2000 EXT. 704
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