ARITC: Battlefield Casualty Drills
Project Overview
CDS Defence & Security were commissioned by the Army Recruit and Initial Training Command (ARITC) to modernise training for new British Army Recruits as part of a wider curriculum overhaul. One of the most critical components selected for digital transformation was Battlefield Casualty Drills (BCD), which is first aid training designed to prepare soldiers for treating injuries in combat situations. The project aimed to shift traditional, classroom-based learning into a self-directed, immersive experience that better reflected the urgency, realism, and complexity of performing the drills under battlefield conditions.
Details
Type: Simulation & e-Learning
Client: CDS DS & ARITC
Date: June 2023
Tools
Adobe Premier Pro
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Illustrator
Skills
Direction & Production
Storyboarding & Scripting
Video Editing & Sound Design
Instructional Design
The Brief
The aim was to reimagine Battlefield Casualty Drills (BCD) training as a self-directed, digital experience that balanced realism, clarity, and DSAT compliance. The new format needed to support both foundational learning and confident decision-making under pressure, all while staying true to real-life battlefield conditions.
I led the creative direction for the project from start to finish, guiding the transition from traditional classroom delivery to a fully immersive, media-rich solution. This included:
Developing the instructional design strategy
Planning the learner experience through detailed storyboards
Directing and producing the filmed content
Coordinating with subject matter experts, Army medics, and role players
Managing the post-production process and bringing the final training to life
While the production phase was highly collaborative, I took the lead on post-production, handling the editing, sound design, and overall visual treatment. I also briefed a digital designer to create an animated version of the Aide Memoire, which was integrated into the final videos to reinforce key procedures.
Instructional Design & Analysis
I worked with a Training Consultant from CDS DS to ensure the solution adhered to DSAT methodology. Together, we broke the learning down into two key components:
A master drill video showing the triage process and key decision points
An interactive 360° lesson where learners could explore a simulated scene and select casualties to review first aid procedures in context
To ensure accuracy and emotional authenticity, we collaborated with British Army medics at MRCT, and enlisted Mabway to provide role players. All actors were veterans with real-life experience and injuries, which added depth and realism while still respecting the seriousness of the content.
Storyboards were created to guide the learner through the scene while maintaining immersion and clarity. Every movement, angle and line of dialogue was designed to support learning through action and empathy.
During planning, I also made the decision not to use smoke effects during filming. While this would have contributed to a more atmospheric setting, it posed a risk to learning clarity by potentially obscuring key procedures. Instead, I decided to replicate that environment in post through colour grading, allowing us to preserve realism without compromising instructional visibility.
Production
Filming took place over two days at an Army base, following a full day of on-site rehearsals with the medics and actors. I took on the role of Director and Producer, working with a small crew that included a camera operator and assistant director, a second camera operator, and a logistics and welfare coordinator.
We used a mix of GoPro cameras for first-person footage (attached to the Medic) and DSLR cameras on both gimbals and handheld rigs to capture the drills from multiple angles. The goal was to reflect the pressure and urgency of battlefield conditions, while still allowing learners to clearly follow each step of the procedure.
Before filming began, I gathered everyone together (medics, actors and crew), to talk about the purpose behind the project. We spoke about the real-world impact of the training and how it would support new recruits in saving lives. That shared understanding brought real focus and energy to the set, and the commitment from everyone involved was outstanding.
The shoot was fast-paced and physically demanding. With only two takes available per drill, we had to be efficient and precise. Filming outdoors also meant working around shifting weather and background interruptions from nearby aircraft, but the team adapted quickly and stayed focused on what mattered most — capturing realism with clarity.
Post-Production & Development
We captured a significant amount of footage across multiple drills, perspectives and takes, resulting in a feature-length volume of content to work through. With just three weeks to turn it around, editing required focus, fast decision-making and a clear vision for how the learning would come together.
Alongside the video work, I also planned and designed the digital learning experience. This included an interactive 360° scene where learners could explore the environment, select individual casualties and view their respective procedures. An e-Learning developer built this component based on my structure and flow, allowing me to stay focused on post-production while keeping the overall experience cohesive.
Post-production and development included:
Editing and sequencing video content to maintain clarity, pacing and learning intent
Designing a sound mix that reflected the pressure of a battlefield without overpowering the content
Colour grading footage to simulate environmental stress while keeping treatments visually clear
Integrating Aide Memoire animations, created by a digital designer, to support procedural understanding
Directing the voiceover to ensure a calm and focused delivery throughout
Designing the interactive learning structure, including the 360° casualty interface, with development support from a dedicated eLearning specialist
The process was demanding and fast-moving. From editing to interaction design, every element was created with the learner in mind. The final result brought together emotional engagement, realism and accessibility in a training tool that supports both competence and confidence.
The Impact and Beyond
The final training received overwhelmingly positive feedback from ARITC and senior stakeholders, who described it as: “This training will literally save lives.”
That statement captured exactly what we set out to achieve. From the early planning stages to the final delivery, this project was about more than just instructional content. It was about preparing recruits to make critical decisions in high-pressure situations, and giving them the confidence to act when it counts.
The response from everyone involved, from Army medics to role players to the production crew, was incredibly moving. There was a shared sense of pride throughout, knowing that the work we were doing would make a tangible difference. Seeing it all come together was a defining moment for me, both professionally and personally.
The project was also recognised more widely:
Shortlisted – Learning Technology Awards 2023
Best Use of Simulations or Virtual Environments for LearningWinner – Bailie Group ICE Award 2023
I was honoured to receive this award for Innovation, Contribution and Excellence in recognition of my role leading the project.
This was one of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the chance to lead. It brought together storytelling, design, collaboration and creativity in a way that directly supported the people who need it most. I’m proud of the outcome, proud of the team, and proud to have played a part in something with real impact.
Let’s Create and Collaborate
I’m currently freelancing and open to new collaborations, whether you need a promotional video, a multimedia-rich training solution, or a fresh take on digital learning design.
To learn more and view examples of my portfolio work, please get in touch!
Let’s make learning that has an impact with learners and products that clients are proud to deliver.