This is a key strategic challenge in the #NDS, as I described in my 2019 report: cnas.org/publications/r…
The focus of this series of games is on developing new operational concepts as I described last year in a policy brief for Congress: cnas.org/publications/c…
This game posits a scenario in which Taiwan’s government holds a referendum on cross-Strait relations.
After missteps on both sides, PRC decides to invade and tries to prevent U.S. forces from intervening by attacking our C4ISR systems, forces, & bases in the region
To execute this game, we’re using Zoom, Slack, PowerPoint, and Google Docs to connect over 25 players and control staff across 3 time zones.
The remote setup forced teams to delegate in ways the reflect wartime Joint command better than everyone being face-to-face. Players proved surprisingly resilient to fog and friction in their “C3.” 😀
Another great thing about remote games is the ability to manipulate the information available to the players. Each team is getting a picture of the fight based on their ISR, but only control knows the “truth.” This emphasizes information and deception.
Because of the emphasis on information, the players spend much more time discussing what they see on the map vs. what is truth and identifying key indicators and warnings. Big difference from many games in which focus is usually on kinetic action from the start.
Initial takeaway: U.S. Joint Force can bring huge amount of firepower to bear in this scenario, BUT, it has to be synced across multi domains on multi axes of attack to create dense salvos necessary to penetrate defenses and destroy targets
This demands new means of distributed multi-domain command and control (e.g., JADC2), but also requires training and conditional authorities to maximize initiative within the commander's intent. 10k mile screwdriver won't work in this scenario.
This is a key finding of my upcoming paper on Command and Information in A New American Way of War. #anawow
Stay tuned tomorrow for more insights as the combat intensifies...
