UK OFFICIAL © Crown copyright 2016 Dstl

18 October 2016

Wargaming in the UK

Colin Marston

Dstl’s Wargaming Team

DSTL/PUB098428 Disclaimer: This presentation represents the personal view of the

authors and is in no way representative of official UK MOD policy.

UK OFFICIAL © Crown copyright 2016 Dstl

18 October 2016

Long-term

strategic

National

strategic

Theatre

strategic Operational Tactical

Minimal

adjudication

Free

adjudication

Semi-free

adjudication

Rigid

adjudication

Bounded

problems

‘Wicked’

problems

Wargame spectrum and application

UK OFFICIAL © Crown copyright 2016 Dstl

18 October 2016

Long-term

strategic

National

strategic

Theatre

strategic Operational Tactical

Minimal

adjudication

Free

adjudication

Semi-free

adjudication

Rigid

adjudication

Bounded

problems

‘Wicked’

problems

Wargame spectrum and application

Context

Implications

Seminar games

Matrix games

Free Kriegsspiel

Rigid Kriegsspiel

Computer assisted games

UK OFFICIAL © Crown copyright 2016 Dstl

18 October 2016

Essential elements of a wargame Aims and objectives (What is the purpose?)

• Determining the setting / scenario

• Collecting the relevant data

• Selecting and setting up the simulation(s) (manual, computer or mixture)

• Determining the rules, procedures / processes and adjudication

• Identify participants / players (& supporting personnel & SMEs) required (& the

decisions they make)

Testing and rehearsals

• Information capture and listing assumptions

• Confirm player roles

Delivering the event

• Playing the game

• Conducting in-game analysis

• Conducting after action review(s) to cover observations, insights and lessons

• Conducting post-game analysis (if required)

The Wargame is not synonymous with ‘simulation’ Aqua Book Macpherson Report

UK OFFICIAL © Crown copyright 2016 Dstl

18 October 2016

Wargaming vs. Analytical processes

Human-in-the-loop methods to

generate understanding and where

the human is the focus of the work.

Constructive methods, such as

simulation based on understanding –

e.g. via algorithms or rule-bases.

Limits of applicability of

current knowledge reached

Capture

knowledge

UK OFFICIAL © Crown copyright 2016 Dstl

18 October 2016

2016 ISIS Crisis Matrix game

Closing remarks