Wargames, Training, and Decision-Making. Increasing the Experience of Army Leaders

Abstract

The purpose of this monograph is to examine the capabilities of commercial computer war games and determine if the Army can use them to train its leaders. The study is intended for all Army leaders, from team leader through joint task force commander, interested in training tools to supplement the existing training methods in the Army. There are several problems inhibiting the training of the Army's leadership. The first problem is finite resources such as personnel, training dollars, land, and ammunition. Second is a high operational deployment tempo that reduces the available training time. Third is an increased rotation of leaders within units lowering the level of experience of leaders. Finally, restrictions on training with certain weapon systems and ammunition at their operational ranges causes soldiers to ignore the realities of combat. The results are less experienced leaders incapable of dealing with the complexities particular to the Army. This monograph examines the question: can commercial computer war games increase the experience level and decision making abilities of Army leaders? Additionally, the monograph looks at three secondary questions. How can the Army use computer war games to increase experience and decision making? Why should the Army use computer war games? Finally, what are the benefits of computer war games for the Army?

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA382254

Entities

People

  • Bruce E. Stanley

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Personnel
  • Cognition
  • Combat Simulations
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Military Education
  • Military Science
  • Military Training
  • Psychology
  • Students
  • Task Forces
  • Training
  • War Colleges
  • War Games
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design