The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has led the Army’s largest ever force development war game and collaboration
Army Wargame 23 (AWG23) tested a new UK Army approach to future operations. Known as the ‘Land Operating Concept’, it looked at redesigning combat power with an aim to protect and advance UK and international interests.
The 9-week war game involved more than 250 participants. It created a diverse team of experts including international partners, industry and academics, and was viewed by senior Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials.
4 fictitious mission scenarios were exercised which examined a variety of force structures in order to help the Army understand aspects critical to delivering a battle-winning operating concept.
Senior Army officials made a special visit to the event which included Major General James Bowder (Director Futures, Army HQ) who hosted Chief of the General Staff (CGS) General Sir Patrick Sanders.
General Bowder said:
Addressing attendees General Sir Patrick Sanders commented:
The collaboration with international partners has led to the success of AWG23. The UK armed forces very rarely go into operations entirely alone, and so international involvement and contribution has been crucial to understand how allies will operate together in the future.
Sarah Knight, a Senior Principal Operational Research analyst for Dstl, said:
The US provided a number of personnel which looked at deep shaping for a UK division involved in close combat.
Colonel Matthew Olson from US Army Futures Command said: