Warfare simulators train soldiers for battle

2:00pm Friday 29th August 2008

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SOLDIERS at the Shrivenham Defence Academy have been boosting their fighting skills by playing glorified video games.

The new hi-tech virtual training computer packages have been introduced into their training after officers decided the games would train the soldiers for combat conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Yesterday members of the press were able to try out the simulated scenarios while driving in a convoy guided by real commanders.

Minster For Defence Equipment and support, Baroness Taylor said: “The MoD is committed to training the UK’s forces in the best way possible within a relevant contemporary operational environment.

“This latest technology will help save lives on operations.”

The software, called Virtual Battle Space 2, is a redesigned version of a real videogame called Armed Assault.

During the game soldiers learn how to operate under a variety of events and scenarios, including briefing under fire, roadside bombs and ambush.

It also allows players to be part of missions and then allows officers to review soldier’s actions in order to instruct them on appropriate and incorrect conduct when in the field.