Russian soldiers simulate combat with 'bang-bang' methods
The Russian Ministry of Defence shared a recording of soldier training before they are deployed to Ukraine. Instead of dedicated training ammunition, you hear shouts of bang-bang-bang. We explain why they do this and how it looks in the West.
Russian television showed how soldiers practice urban combat (so-called black tactics), where shots are simulated by shouts of bang-bang-bang. It is worth noting that real shots can be heard in the background, but they are most likely fired safely towards a bullet trap and serve only to ensure the "right atmosphere".
Simply put, the idea of training soldiers in man vs man engagements is the best form of training because the opponent is not a passive shooting target. Unlike it, a person can adapt to what the other side is doing, similar to what happens during real combat. Below you can see a recording of the Russian training.
Man vs man training — This is how it's done in the West
In contrast to shouts simulating shots, in the West, simulators using weapon dummies are increasingly used, often though not always based on ASG replicas. Weapon movements are constantly scanned and transferred to a virtual world based on special software (a popular base for simulators is the wargame Virtual Battle Space) displayed on a large screen or in virtual reality goggles.
This method allows for huge savings in the initial training process, but it does not replace reality. That is why the highest level of advancement includes man vs man training with real weapons using conversion kits for ammunition such as UTM or FX.
It can be called military ASG or paintball because the fired projectiles have an energy discharge ranging from approximately 3 to 14 joules (rubber or aluminum projectiles with paint). This is more than in paintball, but the hit must hurt. All that is required is facial, hand, and neck protection.
Due to sanctions, Russians have very limited access to this type of equipment, which can only reach them through intermediaries from countries such as Kazakhstan. A few months ago, elements for the production of Western sniper ammunition and two companies responsible for maintaining the flight of Su-30SM aircraft were delivered to Russia through this country.
