Virtual training programme prepares troops for Helmand
16 Mar 10
A virtual world based on gaming technology is now being used to train soldiers in the tactics, techniques and procedures for undertaking foot patrols and combat drills in Afghanistan.
Soldier uses the computer-based virtual training system
[Picture: Andrew Linnett, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
Op JCOVE (Operational Joint Combat Operations Virtual Environment) is a computer-based training programme that enables soldiers deploying to Afghanistan to prepare for the real-life situations they are likely to face there.
Soldiers learn how to operate under fire and how to react under a variety of events and scenarios including attacks, improvised explosive devices and ambushes.
The software was originally used to train troops in vehicle convoy skills, but has since been developed to incorporate many more scenarios including training for foot patrols and combat drills.
Since its inception in 2007 over 6,000 British Service personnel have trained on Op JCOVE.
Op JCOVE uses the commercial 'serious game' application called Virtual Battlespace which is a military training simulation developed as a spin-off from commercial computer gaming technology.
The training takes place on laptop computers with projectors and screens for the instructor's overview.
"This kind of learning will never replace live training but it can boost the confidence of young soldiers and teach them the basics they need."
Major Charles Burbridge
Included in the equipment is a Voice Over Internet Protocol communication system to allow trainees to communicate with each other through headsets, as well as steering wheel and pedal sets.
Major Charles Burbridge, from the Queen's Royal Lancers, says that Op JCOVE has provided a vital boost to the training his unit are receiving before deploying to Afghanistan. He said:
"If this technology is used in the right way it can save lives out in theatre. Op JCOVE may look like a video game but we take it very seriously. We ask that the soldiers training on it treat it as if they are training in Afghanistan. They know the skills and the drills are important and that's how we ensure that they don't come out thinking it's a game.
"Although the soldiers aren't getting sand between their toes we are able to use Op JCOVE to practise scenarios and rehearse procedures we would use in theatre.
"We can repeat the training over and over again until the procedures become instinctive. This has helped when we have deployed to theatre.
Screenshot from the computer-based training system shows a virtual British soldier in a virtual theatre of operations
[Picture: Andrew Linnett, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
"This kind of learning will never replace live training but it can boost the confidence of young soldiers and teach them the basics they need. "
Op JCOVE can be adapted to include new vehicles, weapons systems and to mirror current operations and threats.
Surrey-based company Newman & Spurr Consultancy (NSC) Ltd provides pre-deployment training using Op JCOVE under a contract with the Ministry of Defence.
Graham McIntyre, Director of Business Development at NSC, said:
"Feedback from soldiers has indicated that Op JCOVE is widely accepted as an excellent training tool. We can introduce the latest equipment within a matter of weeks and change the environment to suit the current situation on the front line."
Read more about Op JCOVE at Related News.