DND Orders Video Games For Canadian Troops

Gamers in uniform who are stationed in Afghanistan as part of Canada's military mission can look forward to video gaming during their downtime, courtesy of the Department of National Defence.

Canadian soldiers stuck in lonely outposts in Afghanistan are the lucky recipients of a big stash of video games ordered just months before the military pulls out. Defence officials confirm that 500 copies of games such as "Gears of War," "Call of Duty," "Mortal Kombat," and "Assassins Creed" are destined for Canada's forward operating bases in the war-ravaged country. An estimated 500 to 600 soldiers are stationed at Ma'sum Ghar and Sperwan Ghar, Canada's main bases outside Kandahar, which works out to a video game for almost every gamer-in-uniform.

"It helps in keeping good morale ... to bring some relief to people working long hours," Cmdr. Hubert Genest said in an interview.

The large order, which includes some unwarlike games — such as "Guitar Hero 3," "The Beatles Rock Band," and "Tiger Woods 2011" — was issued by public tender last week. The competition closes early next month. Genest was not able to provide a dollar value, but at an estimated $50 a title, the order could be worth as much as $25,000.

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Genest said the military has sent video games to Afghanistan in the past — he called it "routine" — as part of a morale and welfare program, and noted that games need to be updated every few years as they are improved.

"(Soldiers) are in location 24/7. They don't take any leave. And so this program exists," he said.

Genest added that even after the July 1 pullout, Canada is keeping some 950 soldiers in Afghanistan as military trainers, and they will have access to the existing stash of video games.

By: Shelldrake