A Groundbreaking War Game for the UK Army
In a historic endeavor, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has successfully spearheaded the Army’s largest-ever force development war game. Named Army Wargame 23 (AWG23), this 9-week-long event aimed to test and refine the UK Army’s approach to future operations.
At its core was the innovative ‘Land Operating Concept,’ a bold redesign of combat power, with a strategic focus on safeguarding and advancing UK and international interests.
A Collaborative Effort with Global Participation
AWG23 assembled an impressive team of over 250 experts, including representatives from international partners, industry leaders, and academics. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) closely observed the war game’s proceedings, recognizing its significance and potential impact on future military strategies.
The exercise simulated four fictitious mission scenarios, each evaluating various force structures. The ultimate goal was to glean invaluable insights essential to crafting a battle-winning operating concept for the UK Army.
Endorsement from Key Army Officials
High-ranking Army officials expressed their admiration for the meticulous planning and execution of the event. Major General James Bowder, Director Futures at Army HQ, hosted Chief of the General Staff (CGS) General Sir Patrick Sanders, who personally attended the war game.
General Bowder expressed his pride in the collaborative efforts that have been quietly unfolding behind the scenes. He lauded the compelling insights and results achieved during AWG23, acknowledging the fruitful partnership with Dstl.
A Game-Changing Collaborative Endeavor
General Sir Patrick Sanders commended AWG23 as an unparalleled source of valuable insights derived from war gaming. He highlighted the significance of this event in shaping future military strategies.
The success of AWG23 can be attributed in part to the vital collaboration with international partners. Acknowledging that the UK armed forces seldom operate in isolation, the involvement and contributions of allies played a crucial role in understanding how joint operations could be enhanced in the future.
International Collaboration at the Heart of Success
Sarah Knight, a Senior Principal Operational Research analyst for Dstl, emphasized the importance of international contributions. These partnerships allowed for the exchange of expertise, leading to a comprehensive understanding of how allied forces can effectively operate together in the future.
The focus was on multi-domain integration, exploring different technologies shared among participating nations.
Strengthening Ties with the US
One notable participant was the United States, which provided a contingent of personnel to contribute their insights. Specifically, they focused on deep shaping for a UK division involved in close combat.
Colonel Matthew Olson from the US Army Futures Command expressed appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with their UK counterparts. The war game facilitated the exchange of new ideas and techniques, enriching both nations’ military concepts.
The ability to conduct joint operations and gain invaluable perspectives from close allies like the UK was an experience the US valued greatly.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for the Future
Army Wargame 23 (AWG23) marked a historic milestone in the UK Army’s pursuit of innovative strategies for future operations. Under the expert leadership of Dstl, the war game fostered unprecedented collaboration among international partners, resulting in a shared vision of joint military capabilities.
The insights gained from this groundbreaking event are sure to shape the UK Army’s path forward and fortify its position as a global leader in military preparedness.
Sources: THX News, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory & Ministry of Defence.
