Manual wargaming as a method for training: an analysis of the commercial wargame "Battle for Baghdad"

  • Authors:

  • Mike K. Stinchfield;Jason C. Caldwell

  • Affiliations:

  • MOVES Institute, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA;MOVES Institute, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 2011 Military Modeling & Simulation Symposium
  • Year:
  • 2011

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Abstract

Wargames have a history as long as war itself. Although used by militaries throughout history to train, the relatively recent development of computers and operational analysis have redefined the wargame significantly for professional use. A new, commercial, manual wargame, "Battle for Baghdad", attempts to model the political, civil, and military dimensions of the war in Baghdad from 2004--2009. Through several play sessions, we analyzed the game as a potential training tool for commands and staffs seeking to improve decision making during stability operations.