The British Army has launched a new training facility dedicated to urban warfare at the Oliver Barracks in Dundee, Scotland. This state-of-the-art center is designed to enhance the infantry skills of soldiers, particularly focusing on close-quarter combat strategies that are critical for domestic and overseas operations.
The training hub incorporates a variety of components that simulate a realistic urban environment, enabling soldiers to practice and hone their skills in a setting that closely resembles real-life scenarios. To create a fully immersive training experience, the facility is equipped with advanced smoke, light, and noise technology, provided by the Highland Reserve Force and Cadet Association (RFCA). This innovative use of equipment supports a more dynamic and realistic training environment for the troops.
The site, which was formerly a Reserve Service compound, underwent significant renovations to meet legal compliance standards before being converted into a dedicated training area. This transformation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of local military units, particularly the Perth-based 7th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS). 7 SCOTS operates under the 19th Light Brigade, a component of the Army’s larger light and airborne warfighting unit, known as the 1st (United Kingdom) Division.
Following its inauguration, the new urban warfare training center was immediately put to the test by the reservists of 7 SCOTS, who conducted drills utilizing simulated ammunition, or “simunition,” to replicate the pressures and realities of combat situations.
Brig. Lisa Brooks, the Commander of the 19th Light Brigade, emphasized the importance of having access to high-quality training facilities for reservists. She expressed gratitude towards the Highland RFCA for their role in developing the urban operations training facility, noting that it would also be beneficial for other local military units and civilian organizations in the future. “It is an exciting time to be part of the Army Reserve; as part of the 1st (United Kingdom) Division, the 19 Light Brigade is increasingly focused on readiness and utility, and this facility will enable soldiers from 7 SCOTS to do exactly that,” she remarked.
The establishment of the urban warfare training facility comes on the heels of 7 SCOTS participating in the British Army’s largest reserve exercise since the Cold War in Germany. This year, the battalion plans to refine its operational tactics to align with lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, focusing on the demands of a “progressively demanding battlefield.”
The training will also extend to the most challenging terrains in the UK, located in Otterburn, where 7 SCOTS will conduct junior leadership training and provide an introductory qualification in infantry heavy fire support weapon systems. Lt. Col. David Robertson, the Commanding Officer of 7 SCOTS, highlighted the vital role that reservists play, bringing essential civilian skills to the battlefield while also gaining valuable qualifications through their training with the Army. He noted the evolving nature of the Army Reserve and the increased opportunities for Reservists to engage in diverse and challenging tasks domestically and internationally.
