Home / War and Conflict / British Army Trades Call of Duty for Combat Training
British Army Trades Call of Duty for Combat Training
22 Nov
Summary
- British soldiers now use video games like Call of Duty for training.
- Skills from gaming enhance drone operations and cyber capabilities.
- The army uses gaming to address recruitment shortages.
The British Army is integrating video games into its training regimens, with titles like Call of Duty now part of how soldiers prepare for combat. Military leaders note that skills honed through gaming are becoming increasingly relevant due to the widespread use of drones in modern conflicts. The war in Ukraine has underscored the significance of these technologies, proving the real-world value of gaming in training drone operators and bolstering cyber defenses.
This innovative approach allows troops to sharpen their 'war-fighting readiness' by developing critical skills such as improved accuracy, reflexes, threat tracking, and tactical decision-making under pressure. Soldiers are already accustomed to virtual reality training and using console-like controllers for some equipment. The Ministry of Defence sees this as a strategic move to attract new talent, especially gamers, to help reverse a notable recruitment shortfall.
Recognizing the evolving landscape of warfare, the UK has officially acknowledged esports as a military sport and recently launched the International Defence Esports Games, featuring teams from 40 nations. While embracing these new methods, experts caution that gaming should complement, not replace, traditional hands-on training, ensuring a well-rounded approach to military preparedness.
