Tom’s Column – Wargaming Within The Military Is Very Much Alive And Kicking

Tom’s Column – Wargaming Within The Military Is Very Much Alive And Kicking

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can attest to the fact that wargaming has become an integral part of modern military strategy, especially in the face of growing threats from nations like China and Russia. The recent opening of the Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub by the UK is a testament to this shift towards conventional warfare preparation.


A frequently posed question on discussion forums is whether armed forces engage in war gaming, and if they do, which specific systems they employ. To answer the first part of that question, yes, military organizations indeed practice war gaming, with a notable resurgence happening currently. As Western militaries adapt to compete more effectively against an increasingly assertive China and confront the immediate threat from Russia, wargaming has become a key focus. Gone is the “peace dividend” era, as armed forces are transitioning from primarily counter-insurgency operations towards traditional warfare. This transition and reassessment of strategies require extensive effort. To illustrate the importance and professionalism of modern war gaming, the UK established the Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub in March of this year. As explained, “The hub aims to help Defense adapt to the ever-changing threats we face, with the need for continuous learning and rapid adaptation never more crucial.”

In essence, what kind of games do militaries employ? Truth be told, their choice of game depends entirely on the specific challenges they are attempting to tackle. For instance, if you’re aiming to decipher an adversary’s political decision-making process, a method that might be employed is role-playing! Yes, you got it right—role-play. This method involves participants delving into research about their character and culture, similar to how an actor would prepare for a role. They then enact the situation they wish to analyze more closely. A humorous movie that illustrates this, albeit exaggeratedly, is The Death of Stalin, which humorously portrays the potential paralysis of decision-making and panic that may have occurred within the Soviet Union.

Tom’s Column – Wargaming Within The Military Is Very Much Alive And Kicking

For individuals who prefer working on a PC over participating in role-playing games with friends (no criticism here), there’s software like Command: Modern Operations that military personnel often utilize. This software offers an engaging experience for simulating specific operational scenarios. The range of platforms accessible to the user is noteworthy, and some of the intricate details are truly remarkable. If you require further convincing, here’s more evidence:

The Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO) within the UK’s Strategic Command has granted a deal to provide the Command Professional Edition (Command PE) software, specifically intended for military personnel.

The software created by Matrix Pro Sims is designed for strategic war games and operational analysis. It offers Defense personnel a platform to evaluate their strategies, making it an invaluable resource, especially for the Defense Experimentation and Wargaming Center at Portsmouth.

The PE Command simulation tool enables users to reenact any aerial or maritime confrontation dating from post-World War II up until the current time, and beyond. By utilizing an extensive open-source database encompassing military hardware and capabilities, it ensures that even the most intricate operations are portrayed in a realistic and precise manner. Since every playthrough of the same scenario varies, users can gain insight into the inherent chaos and unpredictability of conflict situations.

Significantly, since it started as a commercial game later transformed into a wargaming software, Command PE is user-friendly in terms of learning and operation.

Apart from handling marine, ground, and aerial operations, Command PE also has the ability to simulate satellites in their designated orbits and cyber systems. This includes factors like the potential disruption or impairment of communication networks or sensor capabilities.

Making this investment will empower our Defense personnel through training, educational opportunities, and analytical resources. Additionally, Command PE will facilitate stronger collaboration with global allies, enabling the sharing of insights, concepts, and joint strategic exercises.

As a gamer, I’ve found that the strategies I use in my games aren’t limited to battlefields and military scenarios. In fact, it turns out that wargaming is a versatile tool that many people, including us, can utilize. For instance, when I’m trying to figure out the best way to get to a friend’s birthday party or when I’m rehearsing for a job interview by running through potential questions with a buddy, I’m essentially practicing a form of wargaming. It’s all about planning ahead and visualizing outcomes.

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2024-09-02 21:42