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The Breadth of Wargame Applications and Methods

Matt Caffrey

Connections 2015

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Overview

What is a Wargame?
Wargame Applications
Wargame Methods
Wargame Breath

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What Is a Wargame?

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Definitions

Reality

Simulation

Model

Sim Game

Wargame

Proportional Representation

Over Time

Multisided

Armed Conflict

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Definitions

Wargame: an armed conflict simulation game.

Wargame: A simulation, by whatever means, of a military operation involving two or more opposing forces using rules, data, and procedures designed to depict an actual or assumed real life situation.

DOD Dictionary of Military Terms

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Venn Diagrams

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Teams

White

Red

Blue

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The Wargame Process

Initial State

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The Wargame Process

Initial State

Blue Plan

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The Wargame Process

Initial State

Blue Plan

Red Plan

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The Wargame Process

Initial State

Blue Plan

Red Plan

Adjudication

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The Wargame Process

Initial State

Blue Plan

Red Plan

Adjudication

End State

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The Wargame Process

End State

Initial State

End State Move 1 Initial State Move 2

End State Move 2 Initial State Move 3

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Wargame Applications�

Remember ACER

Anticipate
Communicate
Educate (and train)
Recreate

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Anticipate

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Communicate

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Educate and Train�

Strategic

Operational

Tactical

Develop Strategists

War College

Staff College

Branch Schools

Professional Dev

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Educate and Train�

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Recreate

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Wargame Methods

Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Live and virtual types tend to work best for tactical.
Some strategic wargames can only be constructive.
A few wargames include all three types.

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Miniatures

(Terrain Table)

Print

(Map & Chart Ex)

Computer

Methods of Constructive Wargame

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Levels of Computerization

How Computerized are computerized wargames?

It depends:

Info &

Adjudication

Info, Adjudication,

Red & Blue Subordinates

Info, Adjudication,

& Red

Info Only

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Breath of Wargaming

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Strategic

Immediate

Far Future

Developmental

Decision

Support

Tactical

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Breath of Wargaming

Granularity

Depth

Scope

Engagements/hours

Economics

Strike/Seconds

Battles/Days

Campaigns/Months

Wars/Years

Human Factors

Diplomacy

Infrastructure

Logistics

Attrition

Individual (Aircraft, ships, tanks)

Sub-Systems

Type Units

Components

Joint Forces

Sub-Components

Service Forces

Systems

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In Summary�Breath of Applications Drive Breath of Wargames

Concept Vetting

Constructive Wargame

Virtual Wargame

Live Wargame

New Concept

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In Summary�Breath of Applications Drive Breath of Wargames

Local WG

Global

Engagement

ACE

Red Flag

New Concept

OEF