Mechanized Infantry is a cornerstone of modern militaries worldwide. Tactically, mechanized infantry is employed to conduct swift attacks on fortified positions, exploit breakthroughs, and quickly shift reserves around the battlefield. Units operate effectively across different terrains, from open fields to urban environments, adjusting tactics accordingly. Their primary advantages include mobility, firepower, and centralized command and control, which enhance operational effectiveness.

A core trait of modern mechanized infantry is the combination of mobility, firepower, and tactical flexibility, thanks to the use of infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). As we prepare for ITEC in Oslo, this article will focus on an IFV that has long been employed in all Nordic Countries, the BAE Systems CV90. With its three-person crew (driver, commander, and gunner), it’s equipped to carry, protect, and dismount a full platoon of soldiers and provide heavy fire support to achieve mission success.

Simulation-Based Mechanized Infantry Training

Mechanized infantry training traditionally takes place in expansive outdoor environments, often in dense forests where units practice maneuvering through challenging terrain. This type of training provides valuable experience in real-world conditions but comes with significant limitations. Field training is costly, requiring extensive logistics, fuel, and live ammunition. It also presents risks, as real-world exercises leave little room for mistakes without potential consequences.

While field training remains essential, simulation offers a complementary and highly effective training method by providing a preparatory step where soldiers can refine skills in a controlled environment before applying them in real-world conditions. Studies have shown that a combination of simulated and live training improves learning outcomes, allowing troops to build familiarity with procedures, tactics, and coordination in a risk-free setting before facing the unpredictability of live exercises.

Using simulations, militaries can also create more realistic tactical battlefield conditions that complement traditional training. Simulated exercises allow troops to practice maneuvers, refine decision-making, and build confidence before entering live scenarios, reducing costly mistakes and improving mission effectiveness. Additionally, simulation provides a controlled environment where units can integrate modern battlefield technologies like UAVs and FPV drones, ensuring that mechanized infantry can train for contemporary warfare while minimizing logistical constraints.

Mechanized Infantry Training in VBS4

The Versatility of VBS4

VBS4 provides an effective training environment for mechanized infantry by allowing commanders and units to simulate real-world operations. The platform enables:

• Fire and maneuver training – Simulate attacks on trench lines and fortified positions.
• Tactical coordination – Command AI-controlled infantry and coordinate actions with vehicle crews.
• AI-assisted command and control – Reduce the need for excessive human players in training exercises.
• Terrain-based strategy development – Practice in realistic environments, including urban, forested, and open terrain.

Hands-On Tutorial: Setting Up a Mechanized Infantry Scenario in VBS4

The purpose of this section is to demonstrate the process of setting up a scenario that can be used to train the commander of a mechanized infantry platoon. The scenario will use a terrain inset, which we will then modify using in-software tools to better suit the needs of the training audience and configure in a way that allows the scenario to be repeated without limit. This way, instructors can measure trainee performance and improvements over time.

With the training audience determined, a suitable area for the scenario needs to be chosen. The friendly starting position should be some distance from the initial point of contact with the enemy to allow for maneuvering and should include some concealment to delay the identification of opposing forces for both the trainee and the AI-controlled OPFOR. A fortifiable position should be within a reasonable range and close enough for an on-foot infantry assault. The area in the image below has been selected. There is no cover or concealment at the intended starting position of BLUFOR on the western edge of the large clearing, but we can add that later.

First, we’ll place the BLUFOR mechanized platoon, which can be created in one action with the ORBAT tool:

We will then use the Geo tool to create a small copse of trees and bushes between the BLUFOR and OPFOR starting positions to break up the terrain and provide initial concealment for both forces:

Using the VBS4 Fire Direction Centre, we will also add a 60mm mortar section that the trainee can make use of to deliver smokescreens and a limited number of HE rounds.

Next we’ll add a first line of defence for OPFOR in the form of berms and sandbags. Using the Geo tool, it’s simple to paint or define surface shapes and then apply a variety of surface types which will self-configure to use biome-specific models - that is, placing a ‘forest’ surface type as we did above will use the correct species of trees for the latitude and altitude in the scenario.

With these areas defined, fortifications can be added either as single models or segments of a line. This makes it easy to create long lines of razor wire, sandbags, or HESCO barriers, for example:

With all of the Geo changes made, we can add defenders and give them ‘defend’ waypoints. This will cause the AI to automatically seek cover to protect them from fire, which comes from the expected direction of attack. The initial defensive position now looks like this:

As part of the training scenario, the first line of defense will abandon its position and retreat to a nearby FOB once it sustains 50% casualties. First, we can build the FOB using the Geo tool to draw out a perimeter of HESCO barriers, adding watchtowers and firing steps for additional defensive utility:

We can also use the Geo tool to add buildings, roadways, and paved areas. These create additional challenges for the trainee to consider, as potential locations of off-duty troops, munitions stores, and non-combat troops may need to be taken into account when planning an assault:

Now we can add a trigger, synchronize the defenders’ waypoints to it, and set it to activate when less than half of the original number of defenders remain:

Once triggered, waypoints placed inside the FOB for each defending OPFOR fireteam will activate, and they will fall back from the first line of defense and join the defending forces inside the FOB.

As the purpose of the training scenario is to allow a platoon commander to plan an assault and watch it play out, no waypoints need be given to the BLUFOR platoon in advance.

This concludes the step-by-step scenario creation guide for a multi-role training tool. We hope this guide has demonstrated some of the capabilities included with the VBS4 software suite.

Train Smarter with VBS

Training mechanized infantry in VBS4 enables realistic and effective combat scenario preparations. By integrating AI-controlled infantry with vehicle coordination, commanders can refine tactics, optimize resource use, and enhance overall readiness. The flexibility of VBS4 allows for continuous improvement and adaptation of training programs to meet evolving operational needs.

This structured approach ensures that mechanized infantry units are ready for real-world missions while minimizing resource constraints in training environments.