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More than 100 tabletop wargame kits have been distributed to Army units under an initiative led by the Australian Army Battle Lab.
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The Australian Platoon Commander tactical tabletop wargame, produced by the Sydney-based tactical experimentation and training unit, is designed to assist in the development of critical thinking, foresight and innovation, and exercise decision making in Australian Defence Force personnel.
It’s understood the game features topographical maps, various unit markers for vehicle and weaponry, such as Javelin, Spike and Chinese Red Arrow-73 anti-tank guided missiles.
“Wargaming is a crucial process used in the military appreciation process across all levels (individual, staff and joint) to test and improve tactical and strategic courses of action against simulated enemy and threat scenarios,” a statement from the Australian Army read.
“But it also an important activity in its own right outside of the MAP. It can be used more broadly to test hypotheses in day-to-day decision making, and as a professional military education tool to develop, refine and hone tactical acumen.
“Wargaming helps to generate a ‘second-order thinking’ mindset that is crucial in military roles.”
The Australian Platoon Commander tabletop game is also expected to be released to members of the public in the future, according to Battle Lab.
The US Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) has previously encouraged the use of wargaming to minimise the risk of being surprised in military operations, minimise the risk of catastrophic failure, employ planning tools and identify areas of potential risk.
“The value of a wargame is not necessarily in ‘victory’ but in the act of working through an alternative future and uncovering problems and blind spots,” according to a Benefits of Wargaming and Futurism for Irregular Warfare Professionals, authored by IWC acting director Dr Dennis Walters and IWC analyst Madison Urban in August 2023.
“The creation of a synthetic environment where stakeholders can explore an issue and see the potential consequences of their actions in a way that feels real can be vital in uncovering assumptions, testing solutions, and promoting education.
“Whether conducted in secure rooms for senior policymakers or in classrooms for young foreign service officers or cadets, gaming offers the chance to build critical and creative thinking skills, test assumptions, and ‘experience’ the complexities of the coming world.
