AMU Homeland Security

The Vital Function of Space War Gaming

By Walter M. Conrad
Faculty Member, Space Studies at American Public University

Militaries around the world have been conducting war games for years, and now space war gaming has gained popularity with all military branches as well as our allies and industry partners. War games provide participants with the tools and expertise necessary to recognize indications of an attack or adverse conditions in a non-retaliatory environment; they are critical to real world mission success.

The U.S. relies on space assets now more than ever and protection of these assets has become a national priority. Potential adversaries recognize our civilian and military reliance on advanced technologies and systems and understand that information superiority provides the U.S. unique advantages. Thus, they will implement various means to counter these advantages.

The Space Wargaming course at American Public University thoroughly explores critical space issues and investigates the integration activities of multiple agencies associated with space systems and services. For example, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is useful to military and nonmilitary users and the United States has an invested interest to protect the GPS constellation. A space war game can simulate the thought process involved with the analysis, planning, decision making, and execution of an allied response to a direct attack on a GPS constellation.

This course assesses the growing importance of war gaming within the space community. The climax of the course is an actual space war game exercise. Students are assigned as various national actors and organizations to analyze, develop, and implement responses to various moves and countermoves by allies and adversaries.

This is an excellent course for students to work in teams and think critically about the importance of space assets and their strengths and vulnerabilities, how adversaries would plan to attack them, and how best they can be protected (both in orbit and on the ground). It prepares students to become future leaders and better decision makers.

The inspiration provided by the 1983 movie “WarGames,” along with the fascination of video games, combine to make this course an excellent learning experience for today’s APUS student. It is an attractive option for students looking for a concentration requirement in the Master of Science in Space Studies, a Master of Arts in National Security Studies, or a Master of Arts in Military Studies.

About the Author:

Dr. Walt Conrad has 30 years of space experience at the Wing, Air Staff, OSD and Joint Staff levels. His 23-year Air Force career included assignments as a squadron operations officer, Directorate Executive Officer, and Detachment Commander. He currently works for SAIC as a senior national security space policy analyst. 

 

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