Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: This article reviews the development and tests of two Intermediate Force Capability (IFC) concept development hybrid wargames.The first wargame plays out a maritime Task Force's ability to counter hybrid threats in the grey zone.The second wargame examines the ability of a NATO Task Group, deployed to a third country to train local security forces, to counter a hostile militia trained and supported by a neighboring country.IFCs offer a class of response between doing nothing and using lethal force in a situation that would be politically unpalatable.As such, the aim of the wargame series is to evaluate whether IFCs can make a difference to mission success against hybrid threats in the grey zone.This wargame series was particularly important because it used traditional game mechanics in a unique and innovative way to evaluate and assess IFC's effects on strategic mission success.Specifically, the hybrid wargame series has demonstrated that IFCs have a high probability of filling the gap between doing nothing and using lethal force.IFCs have the potential to improve operational effectiveness by allowing for more restrained use of force to escalate/de-escalate a situation and increasing decision time and space for tactical decision-makers.Both counter-personnel and counter-materiel capabilities (including miniaturization) are needed to act effectively in the current hybrid threat environment.
Authors: Peter Dobias, Kyle Christensen, William Freid
Language: English
Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4386339166