Over 40 soldiers from 207 Armoured Signal Squadron, 15 Signal Regiment based in Tidworth had a 'virtually' perfect day when they test-drove the Interim Combined Arms Virtual Simulation (ICAV). This computer-based training simulator uses Xbox and PlayStation controllers, VR headsets and even steering wheels and pedals to control the avatars within a virtual world, where troops can test out their driving, manoeuvre and fighting skills without leaving the comfort of camp.
Lt Sam Cuthbertson, 207 Operations Officer said, ‘We get limited opportunities to train together using our Bulldog armoured fleet with many of the vehicles being located out in Germany. The ICAV is an excellent alternative to help us keep our drivers and commanders up to date with their training.'
This is the first time the Royal Signals have used ICAV, which dramatically reduces both the cost and carbon footprint of training compared with a 'live' equivalent. It was also great fun, as Sig Pasquini, a 207 Bulldog driver explained. ‘The simulations are great fun! The staff generate different scenarios to test our skills, from crossing rivers to dealing with enemy forces. The controls are very similar to what most of us are used to with our own gaming consoles so it was very quick to pick up.’
However, no amount of virtual training can completely remove the need for live training, and 207 Armoured Signal Squadron are looking forward to the autumn, when they deploy to Germany on an armoured exercise that will test the skills they have been rehearsing using ICAV.
Photographs by LCpl Nicola WALLACE
