Simulations at sea—and beyond
Wargaming has been an integral part of Naval War College since 1887. While the tools and technology used in simulations have evolved over the past century, the value of wargaming in maritime leadership development remains strong. Today, we conduct more than 50 gaming events per year, and they range in variety from complex, multi-sided computer-assisted games to simple, single-sided seminar games.
Wargaming supports our academic mission in many ways. Games foster an understanding of the decisions that military leaders and civilians make in maritime and joint warfare. Wargaming also opens discussion and debate of strategic and operational concepts. Finally, gaming provides insights and builds important risk assessment and analytical skills
Wargaming Topics
Wargaming allows students to gain practical experience and a better understanding of the dynamics of warfighting, but simulations are also designed to prepare military leaders for national disasters and humanitarian relief.
Wargaming covers a wide range of issues including:
- Space
- Cyber
- Political-military relationships
- Sea control
- Nuclear deterrence
- Humanitarian assistance
- Disaster relief
- Homeland security/defense
Collaborations and partnerships
Gaming not only helps our students grow as leaders, but it supports internal research needs and external requests from other commands and civilian agencies. We work individually with requesting sponsors to develop gaming programs.
Partners and games have included:
- Chief of Naval Operation (Global Title X War Game Series)
- Office of the Secretary of Defense (Proliferation Security Initiative Game)
- OPAV (Maritime Domain Awareness Operational Game)
- U.S. STRATCOM (Strategic Deterrence and Escalation Game)
Wargaming at NWC