In Ukraine, the military is gamifying combat through an e-points system, whereby soldiers earn points for destroying enemy assets and can trade these for equipment. While the scheme motivates some troops, it raises ethical concerns and criticisms regarding its effectiveness in alleviating deeper issues of morale.
Ukraine's "E-Points": Turning Warfare into a Competitive Game
Ukraine's "E-Points": Turning Warfare into a Competitive Game
Ukraine's Army embraces a new drone initiative that rewards soldiers with points for confirmed kills and destroyed equipment, reminiscent of video game mechanics.
The images pour in daily—footage of targets tracked and engaged by Ukrainian troops along the evolving battlefield. This innovative war strategy, known as the "Army of Drones: Bonus" scheme, allows soldiers to accumulate points for verified attacks on Russian forces and equipment. First trialed last year, this groundbreaking approach transforms warfare into a point-based competition, reminiscent of video games like Call of Duty.
With every strategic hit, Ukrainian units can earn various points—50 for destroying a multiple rocket launch system, 40 for a tank, and so forth. This system allows military leaders to analyze and utilize real-time data to inform their next moves, as stated by Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation. “It’s about quality data and understanding how to maximize our limited resources,” Fedorov explains.
Yet, the practical application extends beyond mere numbers. The incentive structure aims to bolster morale within a weary army after over three years of attrition against a more formidable opponent. The constant need for equipment resupply places pressure on frontline units that can now offset losses through this unique reward system.
Feedback from soldiers varies significantly. Volodymyr of the 108th Territorial Defence Brigade reflects positively on the point scheme's utility, indicating it supplies necessary gear amid relentless operational demands. In contrast, other soldiers express skepticism, highlighting that intrinsic motivation should not hinge solely on a points system. Some regard the scheme as morally ambiguous, emphasizing that turning combat into a game undermines the seriousness of warfare.
In addition, the points program intends to streamline logistics, where accumulated points can be spent in a new digital marketplace dubbed the Brave 1 Market. This online platform allows troops to procure over 1,600 items directly, enhancing efficiency compared to traditional military procurement processes.
As the conflict endures, Ukraine's military continues to adapt with creative solutions, symbolizing resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Integrating a points-based combat strategy may sound unorthodox, yet it represents an urgent need to sustain morale and effectiveness on the battlefield.
