The Use of Wargaming by Different Armies During World War II

Germany and the Kriegsspiel: A Tradition of Simulation

The Germans had a long tradition of using Kriegsspiel (war games), a system developed as early as the 19th century. During World War II, the Wehrmacht continued to use this method to:

• Testing attack plans, such as those of the Blitzkrieg in Poland and France.
• Analyze defensive tactics to counter the Allied advance.
• Train officers to make quick and effective decisions in the field.

For example, before the invasion of the USSR in 1941 ( Operation Barbarossa ), the Germans held several simulations to test the viability of the operation. These exercises influenced the planning of troop movements and lightning attacks on the Eastern Front.

The United States and the Importance of Naval Wargaming

The US Navy used wargaming extensively to prepare for its Pacific campaigns. The US Naval War College , as early as the 1920s and 1930s, held card-based war games to test different naval combat scenarios against Japan.

Thanks to these simulations, the Americans were able to:

• Develop effective strategies for carrier battles, such as the Battle of Midway in 1942.
• Anticipating the war of attrition and the logistical challenges of the vast distances of the Pacific.
• Adjust amphibious attack doctrines, later used in the landing on the Pacific islands ( Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Okinawa ).

The lessons learned from these war games directly influenced the strategic decisions of American admirals during the war.

Japan and its Attack Simulations

The Japanese military, particularly the Imperial Navy, also used wargaming before major operations. Before the attack on Pearl Harbor , Japanese officers conducted numerous simulations to perfect the surprise attack.

However, a weakness of Japanese wargaming was the lack of questioning of results . During simulations, if a plan did not work or an admiral lost a mock battle, the rules were sometimes changed to give a more favorable outcome. This biased approach led to poor anticipation of American responses after Pearl Harbor.

The United Kingdom and Defence Simulations

The British used wargaming for defensive and offensive planning :

• In 1940, after the fall of France, simulations were conducted to prepare for defense against a possible German invasion ( Operation Sea Lion ).
• Before the Normandy landings (D-Day, 1944) , war games made it possible to anticipate German defenses and adjust Allied attack plans.

Wargaming was also used for air campaigns, notably with Bomber Command , to analyse the best bombing routes and avoid enemy anti-aircraft defences.

The Legacy of Wargaming in Modern Warfare

The use of wargaming during World War II proved its effectiveness as a strategic tool. After the war, armies continued to use it, especially with the arrival of computers and digital simulations .

Today, armed forces around the world are using advanced software to simulate modern conflicts, test cyber warfare scenarios, and improve officer training. The influence of military wargaming also extends to the civilian sector, particularly in crisis management and corporate decision-making.

Sources

Did you know ? Wargame or war game​
An article from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces that explores the origins of wargaming and its historical use by the military to simulate battles and train officers.

Introduction to Wargaming - The History of Wargaming by SPI
This article traces the evolution of wargaming, from its beginnings to its adoption by the military, with an emphasis on its role during the Second World War.

War games : towards a new boom
Published by the Revue Défense Nationale, this article analyzes the revival of wargaming in military circles and its strategic importance.

Wargaming : practice of serious war games , simulation and strategy
An academic paper that examines wargaming, its origins and its application in the military, particularly during World War II.

Dangerous Games : The Use of Wargames in Political Decisions
This GRIP article discusses the implications of wargaming for political and military decisions, including lessons from World War II.