Optimum method of wargaming a tactical and operational course of action as an integral part of a corps commander's and G3's estimate of the situation in a time-compressed environment.

This study establishes a base analysis for the determination of a method for wargaming both tactical and operational level courses of action. It orients on situations involving a compression of available time in which to decide on and execute the course of action. The study establishes the US Army estimate process as a base method for review and comparison. A review of the historical development of decision making is included, as well as a look at the process used within other armies. The author studies the Airland Battle doctrine, and the Corps' role as part of the doctrine. This includes a review of the three levels of war--Strategic, Operational, and Tactical. After describing the estimate process itself, and analyzing the "wargaming paragraphs" of the process, the author then presents other methods of wargaming. Studied and analyzed are models available to the decision maker that reflect varying degrees of comprehensiveness and force orientation. To provide a "picture" of wargaming a corps fight on tomorrow's battlefield, a notional corps in a fictitious battle scenario is presented, with a discussion from the corps commander's perspective. The METT-T method is used as a descriptive vehicle. By comparing all of the discussed models against six criteria for wargaming, an analysis is made of each method. Criteria used are: staff integration; mental visualization; timeliness; use of significant combat factors; constant and continuous process; and continuing application. The analysis reveals that although no set method of wargaming can be prescribed, a corps level decision maker has certain factors of Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops Available, and Time (METT-T) that will be considered.