The Genesis of a Wargaming Revolution

In 2019, Gen. David Berger, the 38th commandant of the Marine Corps, released his Commandant’s Planning Guidance, a foundational document outlining the service’s approach to force planning in the face of evolving global threats. Recognizing the critical need to anticipate and adapt to the complexities of modern warfare, Berger prioritized wargaming as a core component of this effort. This directive spurred a substantial increase in both the quantity and quality of wargames conducted by the Marine Corps.

The initial two years saw the execution of twenty major wargames, supplemented by numerous smaller-scale exercises. This intensive period of simulated conflict was deliberately modeled after the inter-war years of the 20th century, a time when the U.S. military recognized the value of wargaming in developing the capabilities necessary for opposed amphibious assault – a capability that proved vital in World War II. The lessons gleaned from historical precedent were directly applied to the current effort to refine Force Design 2030.

However, early efforts lacked a formalized, standardized approach to wargaming. While the volume of games increased, ensuring consistent methodologies and the capture of actionable insights proved challenging. This realization prompted a search for best practices and a more structured framework for integrating wargaming into the broader force design process. What specific wargaming methodologies are proving most effective for the Marine Corps today?

Force Design 2030 and the Imperative of Adaptability

Force Design 2030 represents a fundamental shift in how the Marine Corps envisions its role in future conflicts. It’s a move away from the large-scale, conventional warfare focus of the past towards a more distributed, agile, and technologically advanced force capable of operating effectively in contested environments. Wargaming is not merely a supporting activity within this framework; it is integral to its success.

The Marine Corps is actively exploring how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and advanced sensors, can be integrated into its operational concepts. Wargames provide a low-risk environment to experiment with these technologies, assess their potential impact, and identify vulnerabilities. This iterative process of experimentation and analysis is crucial for ensuring that Force Design 2030 remains relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.

The emphasis on wargaming also reflects a broader trend within the Department of Defense, as all branches of the military recognize the importance of strategic competition and the need to prepare for a wide range of potential scenarios. The Marine Corps’ commitment to this approach positions it as a leader in this area. How will the Marine Corps balance the need for technological innovation with the enduring principles of maneuver warfare?

Further insights into the importance of wargaming in modern military strategy can be found at the Department of Defense’s wargaming strategy and the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ report on wargaming.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marine Corps Wargaming

• What is the primary goal of wargaming within the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030?

  The primary goal is to identify and mitigate risks, validate operational concepts, and inform decision-making regarding the future structure and capabilities of the Marine Corps.

• How does the Marine Corps’ current wargaming approach differ from historical practices?

  While drawing lessons from the past, the current approach emphasizes a more continuous and integrated wargaming program, leveraging advanced technologies and focusing on complex, multi-domain scenarios.

• What types of scenarios are typically explored during Marine Corps wargames?

  Wargames cover a wide range of scenarios, including great power competition, hybrid warfare, crisis response, and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, often focusing on contested maritime environments.

• Is wargaming used to evaluate the effectiveness of new technologies?

  Yes, wargaming provides a valuable platform for experimenting with and assessing the potential impact of emerging technologies on Marine Corps operations.

• How does the Marine Corps ensure the objectivity and validity of its wargaming results?

  The Marine Corps employs rigorous methodologies, utilizes experienced facilitators, and incorporates diverse perspectives to minimize bias and ensure the credibility of its wargaming outcomes.