The importance of wargaming and collaboration: Insights from the Tactical Aviation Mission Focus Working Group

October 24, 2024 - Defence Stories

From August 11 to 16, 2024, the Canadian Joint Warfare Centre (CJWC) Wargaming Section coordinated a comprehensive wargame to assist the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Aerospace Warfare Centre (AWC) and Tactical Aviation (Tac Avn) Mission Focus Working Group (MFWG). The Tac Avn MFWG underscored the critical role of wargaming and collaboration between the CJWC and RCAF AWC in enhancing tactical aviation capabilities within contested and degraded operational environments.

Methodology and Execution

The wargame delivery involved multiple phases consisting of initial planning, wargame development, internal playtests, facilitator rehearsals, and the actual wargame sessions. Tac Avn MFWG participants from RCAF Directorate Air Requirements, Directorate Air Domain Development, Canadian Army Land Warfare Centre, RCAF AWC, 1 Wing, 408 Squadron and 427 Squadron convened in 8 Wing Trenton at the RCAF AWC, to examine and analyze Tac Avn employment within a Contested Degraded Operational Environment by leveraging wargaming as a methodology. 

The wargame scenarios were designed to progressively increase in complexity. The first scenario focused on a Tac Avn detachment operating in a dynamic land campaign. The second scenario scaled up to a full Tac Avn Battalion, while the third scenario introduced additional capabilities such as Air-Launched Effects (ALEs) and Agile Combat Operations models.

Key Findings

The wargame yielded seventy documented observations, highlighting several critical areas for improvement and innovation focusing on areas such as: Aviation Fuel Management, Use of Hardstand Airbases, and Personnel and Aircraft Recovery Operations. These will in turn be used to inform Tac Avn Force Development, doctrine and operational planning, contributing to the long-term overall mission success of the RCAF and Tac Avn support to Land Forces.

Importance of Wargaming and Collaboration

The collaboration between the CJWC and RCAF AWC in conducting this wargame highlights the importance of joint efforts in military preparedness. Wargaming serves as a crucial tool for testing and refining tactics, techniques, and procedures in a controlled environment. It allows for the identification of potential vulnerabilities and the development of innovative solutions to enhance operational effectiveness. Moreover, the integration of new capabilities and tactics through wargaming ensures that the RCAF remains adaptable and resilient in the face of evolving threats.

In conclusion, the RCAF Tac Avn Mission Focus Working Group’s post-wargame report underscores the vital role of wargaming and collaboration in advancing Tac Avn capabilities. By continuously refining Tactics, Techniques and Procedures and fostering joint efforts, the RCAF and its partners can effectively navigate the complexities of modern warfare and enhance Tac Avn capabilities to better support Land Forces within a Contested Denied Operating Environment.