Introduction Uniformed Services University’s (USU) Val G. Hemming Simulation Center (VGHSC) operates the Wide Area Virtual Environment (WAVE), a unique, 10,000 sq. ft. large-scale simulator designed to train medical teams in battlefield and natural-disaster scenarios. The WAVE integrates the three core elements of medical simulation (standardized patients, manikins/task trainers, virtual reality) to provide realistic medical education and training. There are obvious internal stakeholders that may benefit from using the WAVE, such as USU’s Military Emergency Medicine department. However, most clients have come from external groups. Leadership sought to determine the factors that may contribute to having fewer internal clients than external clients. Purpose This study was guided by five primary goals: 1) determine interest in sustained in-person use of the WAVE by course directors at USUHS 2) identify gaps in current and planned course modules that may be addressed by the WAVE 3) identify currently unknown WAVE user groups 4) identify barriers to using the WAVE 5) determine any requirements needed to close any identified simulation curriculum gaps Methods Participants were identified in conjunction with the VGHSC leadership and consisted of program directors and curriculum leads for relevant modules, programs, and departments. Data were collected in multiple ways and involved a three-step process. First, participants completed a 10-item questionnaire asking about the department in which they are employed, their role in that department, their role with simulation, how and when they learned about the WAVE, their past experience with the WAVE, their impressions of the WAVE, and their experience with communication about the WAVE. Participants were also directed to the VGHSC website and answered questions about their ability to navigate the site and locate information. Second, participants completed an on-site tour of the VGHSC and WAVE. Third, participants completed a follow-up semi-structured interview hosted on Google Meet. All interviews were video recorded and transcribed with consent of the participant. Interviews lasted between 18 and 47 minutes. Results A total of 181 individuals received a recruitment email with information about opting into the study. Of the 181 individuals, 26 reached out to participate in the study. Of those 26, 19 completed surveys and 15 completed both the survey and the follow-up interview. One person completed the survey and tour but did not complete an interview. Key findings were organized as a SWOT analysis, which helps organizations identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths included: helpful staff, high fidelity/immersive, safe, realistic virtual simulations, and team-based and stopgap training. Weaknesses included: low engagement with VGHSC, low awareness of the WAVE, inefficient and/or unknown processes, time and space constraints, navigation to/around VGHSC, and unclear benefits of the WAVE. Opportunities included: broadening reach, expanding use/meeting needs, and the uniqueness of the WAVE, especially for military emergency medicine training. Threats included: competition from both internal and external sources, understanding of the WAVE and what it offers, and poor marketing. Participant quotes support each of the themes within the SWOT framework. Discussion Given the information attained in this study, there was no identified new interest in sustained in-person use of the WAVE. Military Emergency Medicine, who is currently using the WAVE, expressed interest in continuing use. Most people reported that there are no gaps in their current and planned course modules. Those who did identify gaps expressed that it is not feasible to address those gaps through use of the WAVE as those gaps are not simulation specific. There are currently no identified unknown WAVE user groups and participants reported that there are substantial barriers to using the WAVE; however, there are a number of reasons why this may be the case. A general lack of awareness and knowledge about the WAVE is one important reason. Participants in this study identified ways that the WAVE might be utilized in the future, especially if there is an option for the WAVE to provide non-combat, non-emergency medical simulations. Ideas included using the WAVE to conduct pre-deployment trainings and both remediation and refresher trainings. Participants mentioned non-combat trainings such as ones to prepare students for patient management during an active shooter situation. They also mentioned using the WAVE to simulate student-led surgeries, including appendectomies and orthopedic surgeries. Participants also noted that the WAVE can be used to gamify education.