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Canadian Forces may use video games in war training

Canada's military says video simulation, including video games like Call of Duty, will play an increasing role in its training in the future.
Canada's military says video simulation, including video games like Call of Duty, will play an increasing role in its training in the future. Activision/File

OTTAWA – Canada’s military says video simulation, including video games like Call of Duty, will play an increasing role in its training in the future.

The military is examining how computer-generated scenarios boost ordinary training, and for the first time is considering their use in mission rehearsals.

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The head of special forces, Brigadier-General Denis Thompson, says it’s something being seriously looked at, but it wouldn’t replace traditional military drills.

Before almost every major operation, troops carry out rehearsals to test the strengths and pitfalls of various battle plans.

It’s a practice that goes back at least to the First World War.

But computer simulations have changed that to the point where dozens of troops and even pilots can be linked to together in a virtual world, which includes realistically rendered enemies, right down to uniforms and faces.

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