@Genon
As with everything; school is just business. And it can be profitable- especially when Gwenton (the leading military tech company that backs the school) can use funds to simultaneously help improve the field to their specifications as well as continue to be on the forefront of their craft. Gearframes are more or less in the early stages in military inclusion; though the point of VR is to do battle. Which would make for handy data points for their advancements in the field. Publicly, no; Gearframes don't exist, but the idea isn't that much of a stretch in the world to dream it would come about as man once drempt to fly or travel the stars.

As for the faculty's has off approach; perhaps there's more at play within those walls. However, all students are free to choose their faction. Some even change mid-year. Though you're right that its odd that things are the way they are. I wonder why that could be.

@The 42nd Gecko

There's probably definitely some foul play somewhere for everything to align as they have. Perhaps you'd learn of the truths yourself.