Video game makers are at the forefront of interactive experiences. At the same time, the military is interested in providing comprehensive battle training while perhaps sparing lives in actual combat and real-world resources in favor of simulated training. The system I'm watching on TV right now looks like something from the 8-bit era.
Imagine a triangular relationship with Battlefield 2 on one corner, America's Army on another, and existing military simulators on the third. In the middle is a system which provides enlisted soldiers with "human" targets: online gamers. Realism is key: high-definition graphics and physics modeling take the forefront on all ends. The soldiers use their training simulators against the opposition, online gamers interacting through a game-like interface which mimics real human and vehicle movement as close as possible (including full voice communication). The most basic component of this system is a schedule for online gamers to engage their military counterparts.
(America's Army was criticized for not accurately portraying opposing forces, since their aim was to have each player role-play as an American.)
Properly organized, our soldiers can be more prepared for any situation they may be tasked to overcome. For instance, one situation may feature relatively balanced armies, but battling on distinctly American soil. Another may see a small armor company viciously outmanned by foot soldiers with rockets and mines at their disposal. Yet another may see a special operations force negotiating a bustling city, with gamers comprising both the greater populace and a covert, hostile presence.
Not every situation can (or should) be winnable. Rather, the focus is on the possibility for soldiers to learn from their performance and improve themselves before facing real combat. Perhaps citizens impressed (or dismayed) by their performance against a real army may consider enlistment to see if they are of military caliber.
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I think the military would lose terribly to online gamers in simulated combat, as the people most capable of winning in a random scenario are the most adaptive. Adaptation is kin to intellect, and intelligence is usually not associated with military action.
Then such should be known. Better to be beaten numerous times with virtual weapons than to die from a real one.
Even better when it gets to virtual reality.