The United Service Organizations (USO) is piloting glasses-free 3D video calls to help deployed service members connect with their families. Using Google Beam, the programme aims to convey facial expressions and body language more naturally during conversations across long distances.
The pilot began in 2026, connecting families between Trzebień, Poland, and Fort Bliss, Texas. It gives service members and their loved ones a shared communication experience without requiring headsets or glasses.
Rollout
In its October 26, 2026 announcement, Google said it was bringing Beam to 20 USO locations globally. This was an announced rollout alongside an operating pilot, rather than confirmation that all 20 locations were already operational.
Google also described expansion to Grafenwöhr, Germany, and Fort Hood, Texas. A programme docuseries follows four soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment using Beam to reconnect with their families; those four are the featured group, rather than a count of total programme users.
How the calls work
The deployment uses HP Dimension with Google Beam, combining a 3D light-field display, six-camera capture, adaptive lighting, spatial audio and AI. The display presents a sense of depth without wearable viewing equipment, while the system supports two-way interaction between remote participants.
U.S. Army Chaplain Roland Kassales described the ability to convey feeling and body language as a potential contribution to soldiers’ overall well-being. His statement expresses an expected benefit of richer communication.
