Gazing Into the Crystal Ball Together: Wargaming and Visualization for the Commander and Staff.

Abstract

This monograph discusses the importance of the commander and staff wargaming together. Wargaming is a critical visualization event where the participants develop detailed images of the operation. Wargaming allows the commander and staff to build a common vision and understanding of battle. The monograph first describes the historical development of wargaming. Included is a brief background of the estimate process and the roots of Field Manual 101-5, Staff Organization and Operations. Wargaming is traced from the early uses by the Prussian Army to its late introduction in United States Army doctrine. Following this description is an explanation of battle command and its critical dynamic of visualization. Visualization tasks required during the MDMP are discussed. FM 101-5 (1984) and the subsequent drafts are examined to determine the current and proposed doctrine for wargaming. Each document is reviewed for relevant changes to the Military Decision-making Process (MDMP), and wargaming procedures. The role of the commander is investigated in detail. This examination is followed with an analysis of the adequacy of wargaming doctrine to facilitate the development of a common vision between the commander and staff. The monograph concludes that the wargaming doctrine delineated in FM 101-5 does not support the development of common vision. The current FM 101-5 (1984) is outdated and does not incorporate the integrated operations of the staff. Draft manuals (1993 and 1996) have shifted the primary responsibility of wargaming to the staff. Responsibilities and roles are not described for the commander. Consequently, commanders rarely wargame with the staff. Common vision can not be produced without the commander and staff wargaming together.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 20, 1996
Accession Number
ADA324318

Entities

People

  • John E. Frame

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Command And Control
  • Doctrine
  • Lessons Learned
  • Management Personnel
  • Mental Processes
  • Military Art
  • Military Research
  • New York
  • Social Sciences
  • Students
  • Tactical Training
  • Task Forces
  • Training
  • United States
  • Universities
  • War Games
  • Warfare

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