Can video games contribute as military training?

Only teaching theory such as formation and tactical thinking.

But when the **** really hits the fan and bullets start flying, instinct is the main controller. That is why training needs to be realistic, then it will become instinct.

That's what my RSM (WO2) said about training. He has been to Bosnia, Ireland and Iraq. I assume he knows what he is talking about. Even though i'm just a JNCO Staff sergeant, from training I have done I can see what he means.

All the first aid training on how to apply bandages doesn't prepare you for the panic and shock of the real thing. On one of our Night Exes a cadet managed to slice open his wrist on barbed wire (Lots and lots of bright red blood). Everyone started panicking and forgetting how to properly do first aid. Eventually had to run out to them because they were making no sense on the radio. The cadet was fine and just had a scar btw.

Ngl I lol'ed xD

Can they?

No.

Could they?

Not really.


However, some things are pretty close. Flying a UAV (depending on type) isn't really going to come across as much different to an advanced flight simulator. But that doesn't mean that one will prepare you for another.

So yeah - I think it is good for skipping the first couple lessons of how to use a gun, basic protocols, codes, equipment references etc.

Not really. As much as there are some standard ones, there are a lot of non standard things that are individual to whatever formation you're in.
And I've yet to hear of any game that goes into depth about how you field strip your weapon and clean it thoroughly between engagements - an action that all forces personnel should find second nature.

The US military and others have used video games to train their recruits for years now, so aye, it may be considered a form of training

Maybe a little. Arma could help build tactics, but only minimally, though it may help with following orders. I do think someone who's spent a lot of time piloting ingame jets, helicopters etc is probably going to be a better drone pilot (that one is probably very transferrable, as they use xbox controllers).

Flight sims with manual buttons, sticks, etc could help a lot with actual flying, I've heard of some people with those setups doing well in commercial simulators.

Xbox controllers to fly drones? Are you sure?

Did you even read the links that you sent me?

"The system used to control the planes has been adapted by Lockheed Martin and
although the controller used by the soldiers to fly the plane is very similar to a
Microsoft Xbox 360 controller, it is not the same. You will see that there is no
Microsoft wording on the controller nor a wired headset port"

Our military does not use a Microsoft Xbox 360 controller to operate the drones.

So it's a modified xbox controller?

The pyrosoft link it's referring to looks pretty much like an xbox controller to me.

Yeah it's a modified controller, I'll give you that. The UAVs used by the British Army are tiny, and are not like Reapers (which require those control rooms in the image I attached earlier). It's made out of a foam/plastic material and doesn't operate any weapons. I think it's just for surveillance.

Something as complex as a full size drone would require much more than a USB controller.