"It's time to Rethink our Wargames" Topic

"National security practitioners held several high-profile pandemic wargames and exercises in the years prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Often, these games eerily predicted events in the current pandemic, along with the policy hurdles the government has faced. Instead of serving as a clarion call for preparedness or guiding the response, however, these games have become an ironic historical footnote.

What lessons should the wargaming and policy communities take from this experience? Games have a proven record of helping people think through "wicked problems" such as counterinsurgencies, major wars, great–power competition, or pandemics. But this beneficial effect only occurs if policymakers and organizations can access, absorb, and act on the insights and lessons they provide.

I've been on multiple sides of this problem, as a wargamer, player, analyst, advisor, and strategist. This hybrid experience has given me multiple lenses to examine wargaming's role in policymaking. It also forced me to grapple with the tensions between achieving research objectives, respecting wargaming's strengths and limitations, and informing policy…"
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Armand

You're talking here about the Wargames played by the Pentagon and think tanks, and the like.
These "official" wargames are famous for bringing about pre-conceived results. See the Japanese playing out Midway.
So, GIGO.
Does policy and doctrine ever change based on the games?

It really doesn't affect the games the vast majority of us here play. I'm not under the illusion that I can change the policies of Washington or Cornwallis.

The word "Wargames" is used in a different context than used here on TMP. I have a little experience with the concept from my time as an Air Force officer. Some of these so called war games being played in the military (at least at my level) was really just a bunch of staff officers going through the planning process which consists of a step called "war gaming", which is nothin more than brainstorming the weak points in your plan. Usually people outside of the planning process are brought in to shoot holes in your plan. Then you go back and replan. And I think John is correct in that some of these big exercises have preconceived outcomes and I wonder if they ever lead to change in strategy.

Our government, ever growing in size, has become so byzantine with all its departments and organizations that it is a wonder anything actually gets done.

Here I thought it would be some nonsense about changing our games to eliminate the lead violence, winning/losing, and figures.

I love it when people I don't know, tell me it's time for me to do something in life.

I found some comments interesting for our hobbie…

For example…

"…We need to increase the diversity of players and make sure all players are heard. Wargaming has a reputation as being dominated by the male (hence the origin of the phrase BOGSAT), and the pale. For example, women have been central in building RAND's wargaming practice and fostering a new generation of women gamers, but this remains an exception. Wargaming should be a welcoming community that prioritizes the thought over the thinker, but games often fail to attract women or people of color. My experience further suggests that some of these players struggle to be heard amidst defense leaders more accustomed to executing plans than encouraging deliberation among diverse viewpoints…."

Armand

Have you ever seen gamers? If you did, you would know why we have trouble attracting women and not just to game with.

BTW – happily married for 40 years, so I managed to attract and keep one.

Good for you!!

Armand

The sex or even race of the gamer at least from a real world military perspective. Should mean = 0. The only thing that should matter is the "gamers" qualifications, training and experience.

Otherwise they can just take anyone off the street and hope they find another "military genius in the rough" …

"Hey that gal at the 7-11 looks pretty smart!"

"She could be the next Patton!"

🤩😃😄😆😁😉

Now for us "pudd knockers" … it should matter little, just set up the game and roll the dice ! But don't be too upset if that 7-11 gal kicks your butt !!! 🤣

The missus uses the term "wargamer" as an insult.
I think it's synonymous to Fat, stinky and or extremely geeky.
She's met some and been to a wargame convention. The people at the con made a particular and lasting impression.

Glup!

Armand