Once the pastime of Prussian generals and Cold War analysts, wargaming has evolved into a cornerstone of modern defence planning. NATO does it; the Allied states do it; even our adversaries do it. At the Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) Wargaming Branch, we do not just play games – we design them. From strategic-level discussions to operational planning games, we craft wargames that serve every corner of the Alliance.
The JWC’s Wargaming Branch is responsible for the coordination, planning, delivery and analysis of bespoke wargaming projects in direct support of Allied Command Operations (ACO) and Allied Command Transformation (ACT) (under the Warfare Development agenda).
NATO wargaming is a sprawling ecosystem. Across the Alliance, different commands tackle different layers of the fight; ACT drives innovation and concept development, SHAPE focuses on strategic planning and deterrence, and here at the JWC, we operate at the operational- strategic seam where plans meet execution and theory get a stress test, preparing NATO for the wars it hopes never to fight.
Exercise-Integrated Wargaming
Embedding wargames into exercises adds a dose of unpredictability and dynamism to an otherwise structured cycle. It forces planners to adapt and respond in real time. Whether it’s pre-exercise planning, mid-exercise decision injects, or post-exercise analysis, these games allow commanders to test procedures and experience simulated failure in order to avoid the real thing.
At the JWC, we are uniquely positioned to deliver exercise-integrated wargames. Operating at the operational-strategic level, we have successfully embedded wargaming into major NATO exercises such as STEADFAST DUEL, STEADFAST FOXTROT, STEADFAST DAGGER and STEADFAST DEFENDER.
Our approach injects realism, adversarial thinking, and a useful dose of variety. We work closely with our sponsors to ensure seamless integration and robust data capture.
From scenario design to adjudication, our wargames challenge assumptions, sharpen decision-making, and elevate training value across the board.
Standalone Wargames
Sometimes it is not an exercise that is needed, but rather a sandbox. A place to test wild ideas, explore nightmare scenarios, and ask “What if?” without getting punished. That is where standalone wargames shine. We specialize in crafting bespoke tabletop wargames for concept development and strategic analysis. Our products deliver immersive experiences that generate real insights.
Wargaming is not about playing pretend. It is about answering hard questions before reality asks them for you. At the JWC, we design wargames to challenge thinking, not entertain it. Through structured data collection and post-game analysis, we help planners turn gameplay into lessons that shape better plans and more resilient operations.
Wargaming is no longer optional. It is the difference between strategic foresight and strategic hindsight. As NATO and its partners navigate a world full of mounting threats, the JWC stands ready to deliver wargaming solutions that inform and challenge in a highly constructive way.
By Major Wade Cady and Dr Christopher Morris