The Oculus Rift is a true 360 degree experience — below me are the bowels of the tank, to the right a portly army reservist barking orders, and to my left an ally tank firing off rounds at enemy positions in the distance.
Three plumes of smoke come from the tank’s gun and the action is over. It’s impressive, but whether it’s enough to entice office workers to join up remains to be seen.
Major General Chris Tickell, director general of the Army’s recruiting and training division, said: “The headsets bring to life some of the unique and exciting opportunities available volunteering with the Army Reserve.
“Potential recruits will find themselves immediately immersed in the virtual reality of a live firing exercise with the Army Reserve driving along the Salisbury Plain.” The technology has been tipped to revolutionise the gaming industry with its 3D experience and was recently used in a driving simulator to train teenagers not to text and drive.
There are plans to create more virtual reality clips for the Army’s recruitment campaign, including a parachute jump and abseiling.
