In this episode, we discuss:
-Wargames and the different ways to define them
-The trouble with the term “games”
-How Eric got into wargaming
-How wargaming led Eric to study all kinds of military history
-Eric’s thoughts on wargames as teaching tools for grade schoolers
-The many benefits of wargaming
-How wargames and reading helped Eric understand “the why” of doctrine, enemy tactics and organizations, and maneuver warfare
-How we should be wary of using games as a means of evaluating Marines as combat leaders
-Eric’s reaction to the explosion of interest in and acceptance of wargames in the Department of Defense
-Some recent wargame developments in the Army and Marine Corps
-Eric’s thoughts on General Berger’s focus on wargaming
-Eric’s experiences running wargames in the fleet as a company-grade officer
-How well the Marine Corps taught decision-making during Eric’s time as a young officer
-On the power of being supported by your superiors
-Eric’s thoughts on professional military education (PME) and what “professional” means to him
-What good PME looks like
-The need for one-on-one coaching in PME with accomplished masters
-The dangers of self-directed PME
-The need for study in the absence of experience
-The role formal schools should play in PME
-Eric’s thoughts on “lifelong learning”
-The coaches Eric has had over his career and life
-The value of belonging to a community of practice
-American Military University’s influence on Eric
-How decision games help build trust
-Eric’s approach to building PME programs while on active duty and the results of those programs
-What is critical thinking?
-Some critical thinking models and resources that Eric uses
-The relationship between decision games and critical thinking
-Eric’s admonition to Marines to remain relevant and take a long view of future threats
Links
https://www.criticalthinking.org(for resources on critical thinking)
“Interview with COL(R) Eric Walters, USMC” by Grogheads: https://grogheads.com/interviews/3066
“Maneuver Warfare in Commercial Board Wargames” by Eric Walters: https://mca-marines.org/gazette/maneuver-warfare-in-commercial-board-wargames/
“Is Mission Control the Weakness of Maneuver Warfare?” by Eric Walters:
https://mca-marines.org/gazette/is-mission-control-the-weakness-of-maneuver-warfare/
