Gazing Into the Crystal Ball Together

<p>This monograph discusses the importance of the commander and staff wargaming together. Wargaming is a critical visualization event where the participants develop detailed images of the operation. Wargaming allows the commander and staff to build a common vision and understanding of battle. The monograph first describes the historical development of wargaming. Included is a brief background of the estimate process and the roots of Field Manual 101-5 Staff Organization and Operations. Wargaming is traced from the early uses by the Prussian Army to its late introduction in United States Army doctrine. Following this description is an explanation of battle command and its critical dynamic of visualization. Visualization tasks required during the MDMP are discussed. FM 101-5 (1984) and the subsequent drafts are examined to determine the current and proposed doctrine for wargaming. Each document is reviewed for relevant changes to the Military Decision-making Process (MDMP) and wargaming procedures. The role of the commander is investigated in detail. This examination is followed with an analysis of the adequacy of wargaming doctrine to facilitate the development of a common vision between the commander and staff. The monograph concludes that the wargaming doctrine delineated in FM 101-5 does not support the development of common vision. The current FM 101-5 (1984) is outdated and does not incorporate the integrated operations of the staff. Draft manuals (1993 and 1996) have shifted the primary responsibility of wargaming to the staff. Responsibilities and roles are not described for the commander. Consequently commanders rarely wargame with the staff. Common vision can not be produced without the commander and staff wargaming together.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>