Background
6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) became the first regiment in the UK to use free-roam virtual reality training for official operational sign-off — described as a UK Ministry of Defence first. The training sessions took place on 16 July 2025 and were led by Sgt John Walker (UOIC Instructor) using the AVRT (Adaptive Virtual Reality Training) platform, delivered into a general multi-use space at the regiment's location.
The Deployment
Trainers used the AVRT system to deliver and assess modules of the Urban Operations curriculum (ITR 10.4 — Urban Basics), conducting controlled scenario-based tactical training within detailed simulated urban environments. The system gave instructors full control over environment layout, enemy positions, enemy AI behaviour, and difficulty — enabling real-time adaptation to individual trainee performance.
In an unexpected development, the lead instructor chose to enter the VR environment himself — wearing a headset and carrying a simulated weapon — to teach lessons directly as an avatar while trainees observed. Lessons delivered in this way included weapon carriage positions, formations and movement, doorway entry methods, and the five-step entry drill.
Hardware and Content
The AVRT platform is a wireless, controller-free, free-roam system requiring no adaptation period from users. Real-feel rifle replicas were integrated into the scenarios, allowing trainees to react as they would in the field. After-action reviews used full 3D replay and first-person view features, enabling instructors to observe exactly what trainees saw and experienced during scenarios and provide targeted, evidence-based feedback.
The sessions also demonstrated Teslasuit haptic integration — a full-body suit using electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) and TENS to deliver physical sensations ranging from environmental effects to simulated bullet strikes. One participant who experienced the Teslasuit during live scenarios noted that receiving a simulated strike to the arm was a strong incentive to improve use of cover, describing it as realistic and something they would want to see implemented.
Outcomes
The training delivered formal assessment against ITR 10.4 Training Objectives in line with current ITR Policy, with trainees signed off on elements of the Urban Operations curriculum. Instructors observed trainees spontaneously using virtual walls as cover and stepping over downed virtual enemies — indicating a high degree of behavioural realism. One participant with 20 years' service described it as the most significant development in training they had encountered.
The AVRT system is commercially available for both purchase and short-term session rental.
