MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (193/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 28
August 2008
Soldiers in the
Royal Logistic Corps are to get a boost to their driving skills
thanks to a hi-tech virtual training computer package, which will
test their ability to cope under fire.
Under a contract potentially worth some £2M the Joint Combat
Operation Virtual Environment (JCOVE) uses the commercial
'serious game' application called Virtual Battlespace
and will enable the British Armed Forces to practise Tactics
Techniques and Procedures for road convoy operations in a
realistic virtual environment.
The package includes a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
communication system to allow trainees to speak to each other
through headsets as per operations, steering wheel and pedal sets
for vehicle control and classroom control software to allow the
instructors to maximise training effectiveness.
Soldiers learn how to operate under fire and how to react under a
variety of events and scenarios including being under fire, road
side bombs and ambush.
Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor, said:
"The MoD is committed to train the UK's forces in the
best way possible within a relevant contemporary operational
environment, with modern effective equipment that promotes
confidence. The Royal Logistic Corps are the backbone of military
supply convoys in theatre. This latest technology will help save
lives on operations."
The RLC transports soldiers, combat supplies and materials across
the battlefield. The drivers also provide security both within
tactical locations and during convoy moves, so it is vital they
have the most up to date training and knowledge to hone their
driving skills.
Lt Melia, Force Protection Troop Commander 63 Sqn said:
"The JCOVE system training was invaluable to 63 Squadron
Force Protection Troop's pre deployment training. It prepared
the Troops for live training with vehicles and the challenges
currently being experienced in Afghanistan".
Notes to Editors
1. VBS is a military training simulation developed as a spin-off
from commercial computer games technology. VBS offers a number of
functions simply not available in a game. It includes scenario
generation and editing, to allow the instructor to change the
training scenarios
2. Newman and Spurr Consultancy Ltd (NSC) based in Camberley won
the contract for the Op JCOVE managed service contract, which will
deliver JCOVE training to all Op TELIC and Op HERRICK
Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) events in the UK and Germany, as
well as training In-Theatre.