The US military often lands itself in hot water by using videogames as recruitment tools, but charity Pro vs. GI Joe would rather preach to the enlisted. Its latest venture, the Military Online Gaming Program (MOG), allows troops from connected branches and bases to trade fire online.

Known for setting up matches between soldiers, celebrities, and sports stars, Pro vs. GI Joe has partnered with GGL Global Gaming, a social competitive gaming network, to provide the new service for troops around the world.

“We are thrilled to offer the GGL Global Gaming experience to our troops who risk their lives every day to protect us”, says GGL CEO Ted Owen. “We know that gaming helps these heroes reduce the stress associated with defending our way of life and being away from their families. We believe that our efforts with MOG will give them a way to connect and have fun, no matter where in the world they may be serving”.

The programme kicks off on July 4 - American Independence Day - with a global Call Of Duty: World At War tournament. The top ten players will then be flown to Atlanta for a live final, or can compete remotely if stationed overseas. Sponsor Activision has supplied prizes included an all-terrain vehicle, while high-ranking players also get the chance to play against NFL team the Atlanta Falcons.

The programme will initially support Xbox 360, the most prominent platform on US Army bases, before later covering PC and PS3.