Air University (AU) > LeMay

When to Wargame?

When solutions to a problem do not yet exist, and the data needed for that solution must be generated by human beings with specific backgrounds within specific conditions that manifest the problem to be explored.

Wargames are invaluable to investigate processes, explore issues, identify questions, evaluate doctrine, and to gain insights into complex problems and/or issues.

When NOT to Wargame?

When a problem to be solved, is complicated but not complex, thus it has a definitive solution based upon existing quantitative and/or scientific data, that once discovered, will ultimately solve the problem.

Or, if the solution data doesn't yet exist, but is not based upon insights generation from human interaction and discussion about the problem and a specific operational context that exacerbates the problem.

Air Force Wargaming Institute
401 Chennault Circle
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112

AFWI E-mail
Phone: 334-953-5759

The History of the Air Force Wargaming Institute

The 1975 Clements Blue Ribbon Panel on Excellence in professional military education cited a need for service schools to develop curricula that stressed warfighting. The panel noted that service schools needed to sharpen students’ knowledge of decision-making in combat.

In 1976, the Air Force Chief of Staff’s CONSTANT READINESS Tasking directed the development of intensive courses and methods for instruction in warfighting. In short, the tasking directed AU to “put more war in the War College.” From these two initiatives evolved the concept for the Air Force Wargaming Institute (AFWI).

In September 1982, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management established a program management office at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, to acquire a comprehensive wargaming capability for the Air Force. The facility was dedicated and opened its doors in 1986.

In 2007, AFWI’s parent organization, the College of Aerospace Doctrine Research and Education merged with the Air Force Doctrine Center, to become The LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education.

Today, this wargaming capability consists of the personnel, facility, and hardware and software necessary to provide a broad range of wargames and exercises to the Air Force (AF), the Department of Defense (DOD) and other international sponsors. AFWI also supports AF and Joint Title 10 Exercises, Experiments and Wargames. A full scope of AFWI's programs and responsibilities can be found below.

Who We Are

Technology	Operations	Analysis
This division is responsible for IT Infrastructure and Software Development & Application.	This division is responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing wargames.	This division is responsible for developing the data collection and analysis plan, and the analytic underpinnings supporting wargame objectives.

What We Do

Educational	Operational	Tailored support	World-class facility
• JLASS (Joint SDE) • AWC / ACSC / SOS • Allied wargames • Global Challenge • Grand strategy series • JAG series	• CCMD support • Future capabilities • Schriever / POWER wargames • Multi-Domain series • Medical spt in major conflict operations	• Table Top Exercises (TTX) • Full Blue vs Red turn based… and everything in between • Regularly host Senior Leader conferences • CORONA	• 58’ x 8.5’ multi-function display • 25 connected rooms • VTC capability • Web enabled tools • IT and coding experts
Education: Knowledge – Comprehension – Application – Synthesis
Experiential learning environment	Assessment & strategy evaluation	Test concepts and strategies before investment	Recently renovated SCIF accredited
Our facility and personnel can host events at classification levels ranging from Open – Releasable – Classified – SAP/STO

The Definition and Structure of Wargaming

Types of Wargames

COA Analysis: Developed and executed as part of the Joint Planning Process governed by JP 5-0. COA analysis is the process of closely examining potential COAs to reveal details that enable the commander and staff to tentatively evaluate COA validity and identify the advantages and disadvantages of each proposed friendly COA. The commander and staff analyze each COA separately according to the commander's guidance. COA analysis is a valuable use of time that ensures COAs are valid. Ref: JP 5-0, Page III-45

Educational: Deliver or evaluate curriculum governed by either CJCSI 1800.01E (officer professional military education) or CJCSI 1805.01B (enlisted professional military education).

Training: Developed and executed to provide personnel training and to examine current operating processes.

Lab: Developed and executed to explore trade spaces in concept development.

Commander Problem: Developed and executed to develop alternative operating processes or organizations.

Future Capabilities Game
Global Challenge
Joint Land, Air, & Sea Strategic Special Program
Judge Advocate Wargames
Medical
Power
Schriever Wargame Series

One of the CSAF's two Title X wargames, “Futures” is a long-range strategic planning activity that compares alternative futures and force structures. Insights gleaned from “Futures” and the other Title X wargame, “Unified Engagement,” impact USAF strategic planning, concept development and force structure investment streams.

The capstone wargaming event of the Air War College academic year allows class members to synthesize the principles, concepts, and processes taught in the AWC curriculum to develop the guidance shaping planning and operations at both the strategic and operational levels.

JLASS-SP is a computer-assisted, theater-level seminar wargame. It is the only joint-sponsored wargame conducted by the PME senior level colleges. The overall goal of the wargame is to enhance joint PME through an examination of potential US military responses to regional crises. The primary focus is on joint and combined warfare conducted at the operational and strategic levels.

The current JLASS-SP wargames are played at the unclassified level and include United States and international students attending the U.S. senior level colleges, as well as student groups from the Swedish Defense University, Chilean Army War College, and Nigerian Army War College through bilateral agreements.

The LeMay Center hosts or supports three capstone events for the Air Force Judge Advocate General School (AFJAGS): JAGWAR, JAGGED SWORD, and JAGZILLA. JAGWAR is a LeMay Center hosted, two-day event supporting the Judge Advocate Advanced Law and Leadership Course: GATEWAY. Air Force Officers in the grade of Major participate in this wargame. JAGGED SWORD is an AFJAGS hosted, one-day event that supports the Judge Advocate Staff Officer's Course. The target audience is US and International Officers newly assigned to the Judge Advocate General Corps career field. JAGZILLA is a one-day event supported by the LeMay Center and hosted by AFJAGS.

This wargame construct integrates students from the Staff Judge Advocate Course and Law Office Manager’s Course into individual wing-level legal teams. Air Force Officers identified for Wing Staff Judge Advocate positions and senior NCOs in the paralegal career field are the primary participants. All three wargames place students in a time-sensitive, fast-paced environment that test the individual student's ability to communicate, manage, and lead while tackling front-burner legal issues. The scenarios range from CONUS-based peacetime operations to day-to-day operations in a deployed, hostile environment.

PACAF-sponsored Wargame; investigates ACE concepts for “Enhanced forward surgical and En Route Care” in A2/AD environment for USAF Surgeon General, AMC and ACC

The Power series, named after General Thomas Power, the commander of Strategic Air Command during the Cuban Missile Crisis, is a strategic-focused game series designed to address difficult problem sets and strategic questions facing the United States in uncertain times. The next iteration, Power Spring, will address a EUCOM-focused scenario looking at restoring and maintaining deterrence in the face of potential escalation.

The Schriever Wargame (SW) is the United States Space Force’s (USSF) Title-10 operational Wargame series. The SW23 Capstone Wargame will explore space and cyberspace issues and challenges, primarily at the operational level, in a multinational, SAP-informed environment. Concurrently, USSF will lead a Coalition Council of senior multinational civil and military leaders to discuss space-related policy and operational topics in a risk-free, non-attributional wargame environment.

Past Wargames
Future Wargames

AFWI Wargames	Sponsor	Timeframe	Location
Assassin's Mace	AWC	November 2022	Maxwell AFB, AL
Power	STRATCOM	November 2022	Maxwell AFB, AL
Space Debris	ACSC	November 2022	Maxwell AFB, AL
FSP	HQDA G3/5/7	December 2022	TBD

AFWI Wargames	Sponsor	Timeframe	Location
Global Mobility Wargame	AFMC	February 2023	Maxwell AFB, AL
Schriever Wargame	Space Command	March 2023	Maxwell AFB, AL
Long Duration Logistics Wargame	AFMC	April 2023	Maxwell AFB, AL
JLASS	Army War College	April 2023	Carlisle Barracks, PA
Capstone	ACSC	May 2023	Maxwell AFB, AL
ACE TTX	USAFE	TBD	Ramstein AB, Germany
Medical Series	Medical School	TBD	Maxwell AFB, AL
Futures 22	HAF A5/8	TBD	TBD
JAGZILLA	JAG School	TBD	Maxwell AFB, AL

Please visit the JEMIS website below to register for one of our upcoming events:

AFWI Map:

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Maxwell AFB Map:

ABOUT AFWI

Wargaming 101

Annual Requirements

Past and Future Wargames

Event Registration

Visitor Information