Simulation and Wargaming

Understanding the potential synergies between computer simulation and wargaming

Based on the insights of experts in both domains, Simulation and Wargaming comprehensively explores the intersection between computer simulation and wargaming. This book shows how the practice of wargaming can be augmented and provide more detail-oriented insights using computer simulation, particularly as the complexity of military operations and the need for computational decision aids increases. 

The distinguished authors have hit upon two practical areas that have tremendous applications to share with one another but do not seem to be aware of that fact. The book includes insights into:

• The application of the data-driven speed inherent to computer simulation to wargames
• The application of the insight and analysis gained from wargames to computer simulation
• The areas of concern raised by the combination of these two disparate yet related fields
• New research and application opportunities emerging from the intersection

Addressing professionals in the wargaming, modeling, and simulation industries, as well as decision makers and organizational leaders involved with wargaming and simulation, Simulation and Wargaming offers a multifaceted and insightful read and provides the foundation for future interdisciplinary progress in both domains.

Table of Contents

Part I Introduction

1 An Introduction to Wargaming and Modeling and Simulation

Part II Historical Context

2 A School for War – A Brief History of the Prussian

3 Using Combat Models for Wargaming

Part III Wargaming and Operations Research

4 An Analysis-Centric View of Wargaming, Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis

5 Wargaming, Automation, and Military Experimentation to Quantitatively and Qualitatively Inform Decision-Making

6 Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Methods for Wargames: Case Study – “European Thread”

7 Combining Wargaming and Simulation Analysis

8 The Use of M&S and Wargaming to Address Wicked Problems

Part IV Wargaming and Concept Developing and Testing

9 Simulation Support to Wargaming for Tactical Operations Planning

10 Simulation-Based Cyber Wargaming

11 Using Computer-Generated Virtual Realities, Operations Research, and Board Games for Conflict Simulations

Part V Emerging Technologies

12 Virtual Worlds and the Cycle of Research: Enhancing Information Flow Between Simulationists and Wargamers

13 Visualization Support to Strategic Decision-Making

14 Using an Ontology to Design a Wargame/Simulation System

15 Agent-Driven End Game Analysis for Air Defense

About the Authors

Charles Turnitsa, PhD, is the head of the Computer Engineering program for Regent University. He has been a wargamer for over 40 years, and continues to do professional research in areas such as wargaming, data interoperability, and modeling and simulation.

Curtis Blais, PhD, is a member of the research faculty in the Naval Postgraduate School’s Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation (MOVES) Institute. He has over 47 years of experience in modeling and simulation development, application, and education, and actively contributes to development of international standards in modeling and simulation.

Andreas Tolk, PhD, is Chief Scientist for Complex Systems Modeling at the MITRE Corporation, His contributions have been recognized by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) as well as the Society for Modeling and Simulation (SCS) with distinguished contribution awards. He is a senior member of IEEE and ACM and a Fellow of SCS.