NEWPORT, R.I. - The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) and U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) wrapped up the 14th annual Deterrence and Escalation Game and Review (DEGRE) May 1-5.
DEGRE, as it is commonly known, is a strategic wargame that rehearses concepts to refine how we demonstrate interoperability across the globe. This wargame series studies the dynamics of strategic deterrence, assurance, and escalation management to inform the whole of government, combatant commands, and allies across the spectrum of warfighting against a reactive nuclear-armed adversary.
“In the current dynamic global environment, the concept of strategic deterrence, assurance, and escalation management has become more critical than ever before,” said Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command. “DEGRE has become an essential tool for joint force capacity, capability, and interoperability across the globe designed to test military commanders, policymakers, strategists, and allies.”
The game is designed to test U.S. and allied military forces to face the challenges of the modern world. It has become a vital part of strategic planning discussions for decision-makers at the highest level of government.
“Our role at the Naval War College is to ‘...inform today’s decision-makers and educate tomorrow’s leaders,’” said Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, president of the U.S. Naval War College. “By conducting high-quality research, analysis, gaming, and education, [the College of Naval Warfare Studies] directly supports the Naval War College mission, preparing future maritime leaders and helping to shape critical decisions on the future of the Navy.”
The lessons learned from the game will be used to inform future strategy and planning discussions, identify areas needing additional research, and inform decision-makers at the highest level of governments across the globe. The game demonstrates that communication and cooperation between the whole of government, U.S. military forces, and our allies are critical for maintaining global stability.
The DEGRE series was initiated following the release of the 2008 Schlesinger Reports upon recommendations to develop nuclear war gaming to address the lack of strategic deterrence experts. USSTRATCOM J5 sets the game objectives, and the U.S. Naval War College has designed, developed, and executed the DEGRE game annually since 2009.
NWC delivers excellence in education, research, and outreach, informing today’s decision-makers and educating tomorrow’s leaders. The college provides educational experiences and learning opportunities that develop students’ ability to anticipate and prepare strategically for the future, strengthen the foundations of peace, and create a decisive warfighting advantage.
USSTRATCOM has global responsibilities assigned through the Unified Command Plan, including strategic deterrence, nuclear operations, joint electromagnetic spectrum operations, global strike, missile defense, and analysis and targeting.
For more information, contact the U.S. Naval War College Public Affairs office at 401-856-5061 or PAO@usnwc.edu, or visit https://usnwc.edu.