Thread by @CSULiberalArts

For today's Ask an Expert Q&A, we talked to @CSUPoliSci Adjunct Professor James "Pigeon" Fielder. Pigeon retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lt. Col. and taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

We asked him about the concept of wargaming (and what it has to do with #COVID19).

Q1: What is wargaming?

A1: "Wargames test human decision making in uncertain and realistic, but risk-free environments. Wargames allow players to practice critical skills and test strategies without unforgiving consequences." (1/3)

"Although not perfectly synonymous, you may also hear wargames referred to as simulations, tabletop exercises, and scenario planning.

Although risk-free, all the emotions, stresses, failures, successes, and learning outcomes players experience are psychologically real." (2/3)

"Wargames are also a form of active learning that tap multiple senses and learning styles." (3/3) —@j_d_fielder

Pictured: #ColoradoState students playing a wargame in the class POLS 347 - Comparative Authoritarianism

Q2: What does wargaming have to do with COVID-19?

A2: "Wargames don’t prove outcomes, but rather generate hypotheses and insights. They prepare first responders, subject experts, and students for credible scenarios before taking personal or material risk." (1/3)

Pictured: U.S. Air Force Academy students learning about wargaming

"Crisis response wargames can be overwhelming, but stress in the classroom fosters resilience, confidence, and trust when actual crises occur." (2/3)

"Although wargames don’t prove theories, they can be telling if multiple teams play through the same scenarios and deliver similar outcomes." (3/3) —@j_d_fielder

Read James Fielder's reflections on teaching wargame design ⬇️
warontherocks.com/2020/01/reflec…

Q3: How can wargames help us think towards recovery?

A3: "Players can project out desired objectives, then test their ability to meet those objectives given current resources. Teams can also quickly adjust timelines and resources to think and walk through multiple courses of action." —@j_d_fielder

Do you have a question for James "Pigeon" Fielder? Or another question about the historical, cultural, social, or economic impacts of #COVID19? Tweet at us with #CLAQandA.

#ColoradoState | #CSUResearch | #AskAnExpert