War Games, Last Starfighter, Ender’s Game; the fictional history of gaming ability being successfully utilised in combat is extensive. It seems natural enough, people who play computer games have been shown to have fast reflexes, low response times, are able to make decisions under pressure and can adapt to complex situations. Traits that are an obvious fit for fighting. At least this is how the Danish military feels.

Denmark’s military - Danish Defence (aka Forsvaret) expressed their interest in recruiting from the gaming community after running initial trials with Danish esports giant Astralis in 2017. Their findings were positive, according to Major Anders Bech, head of section with the Danish Ministry of Defence’s Personnel Agency:

“Gamers have certain skills in being and remaining calm under pressure, faster reactions than other young people, quick decision making, good teamwork skills, orientation and strong ability to visualise…these are all abilities which we could use”.