Reviews

Read the reviews from the officers and graduate students who played the simulations for various courses

Comments from the first group of students to play the simulation in the course DS526 (“Peace and Stability Operations An Evolving Practice”) as part of the Joint Command and Staff Programme of the Canadian Armed Forces. Officers from Canada and over a dozen countries have taken this course.

On 27 January 2022, the CFC students in DS526 were offered the first opportunity to play “Peacekeeping Simulation: Investigating Atrocity,” where the avatar is a United Nations Military Observer (UNMO). The following are comments volunteered by the students after playing the simulation.

“As an Armour Officer, we use simulation during the conduct of our training for gunnery and tactics. Prior to going “live” with vehicles and troops, simulation provides a venue where we can practice what we have learned in theory classes and also provides a place where personnel can make mistakes and learn from them without causing damage to vehicles or personnel.

The simulation you and your team designed is very impressive and fills a void in UN training. I have done research on pre-deployment training for UN missions in preparation for my paper for this class, and this simulation fills a much-needed needed gap in the UNMO training.

I hope you are able to develop other scenarios, as it is very valuable to reinforce theory for somebody deploying in the role of an UNMO.

Thanks for the opportunity to run through the simulation.”

– Major Rich Bulley

“…a worthwhile training tool because it allows you to see the consequences of wrong and right answers”

“Note that I played the simulation quite a few times and it was very interesting to see the responses of all the characters in the simulation. This is definitely a worthwhile training tool because it allows you to see the consequences of wrong and right answers from the helpful hints after you make selections.

It was very fun to learn about conducting a UNMO investigation in a low-stress video game-like environment!”

– Major Rich Bulley LCol / lcol John-Alec Bossence

“I wish that I had learned this before my participation as a military observer in the Central African Republic,”

“On the simulation of military observers, I wish that I have learned this before my participation as a military observer in the Central African Republic, because it would have facilitated a lot in my work as a military observer and how to deal in some difficult times and circumstances.”

– Major Mohammad Althunibat (Jordan)

"I truly believe the simulation you and the team have been developing has a ton of potential to increase survivability and decrease ambiguity for personnel deploying. Thanks to you and the team for the effort you continue to put into it. If you ever need a perspective from someone who thinks like a knuckle dragging infanteer (which happens to be the majority of peacekeepers) I am happy to help. "

Major Shane Gapp

"It took me a couple attempts to get the hang of it and what to do. Overall I thought it was a great alpha version. The game ran smoothly without any issues for me. In terms of learning objectives, I think it certainly showed a lot of potential, especially as the scenario fleshes out in the future. I appreciated the opportunity to try it out and glad we got it in before the end of the course!"

LCdr | Capc Kyle Aubrey.

"Note that I played the simulation quite a few times and it was very interesting to see the responses of all the characters in the simulation. This is definitely a worthwhile training tool because it allows you to see the consequences of wrong and right answers from the helpful hints after you make selections.
It was very fun to learn about conducting a UNMO investigation in a low-stress video game-like environment!

Major Rich Bulley LCol / lcol John-Alec Bossence

"Overall, I am very impressed with the simulation. I think it is an excellent and innovative complement to traditional learning methods, providing for an engaging and effective approach. In fact, I think the simulation not only reinforces learning from conventional ways, but also goes beyond. It provides an immersive experience that delves into aspects of peacekeeping that can rarely be understood by reading a text book. From navigating pressures and potential deceptions to understanding intricate power dynamics on the ground and sensitive conversation taboos and nuances crucial for effective communication, the simulation presented a comprehensive view of what peacekeepers do. It makes you reflect on the consequences of different ways to engage with others. I think this is the greatest strength and potential of the simulation, and I think it accomplishes it very well."

– Ariane Calvert, graduate student in RMC course WS508 (2023)

"I thoroughly enjoyed doing the simulation and have learned a lot. I believe it’s a great opportunity to train professionals before they sent into the field."

– Sophie Malouin, Graduate student in RMC course WS508 (2023)