You have been working at the US Army War College since August this year. Can you share some highlights about this experience?
Joshua: My role is essentially a wargame designer and teacher. I’m supporting the US Army War College based in Pennsylvania, contributing to professional military education by delivering wargames that effectively convey lessons to the diverse student body. I’m also participating in community outreach events and contributing to the design of a strategic-level analytical wargame.
My job primarily has been creating a series of wargames exploring potential aspects of future conflict, so that students can explore different aspects of how these scenarios may play out, and how these unique challenges can be addressed. It’s interesting to see that teaching and learning are not only through textbooks, readings and study cases, but also through more interactive game systems.
How has King’s helped you in your career as a wargame designer?
Joshua: King's stands out as the premier civilian institution for military education globally. It receives recognition from various institutions, including the US Army War College, attesting to its excellence. The synergy of its academic expertise and the King's Wargaming Network significantly boosted my CV. Despite having prior experience, the prominence of the Wargaming Network within the community, the standards it upholds, and the unique educational opportunities it offers set me apart from other applicants, helping me to get this job.
You were actively involved in wargaming at King’s during your MA. How did it help you understand the importance of wargaming today?
Joshua: I took wargaming courses. In my first term, I delved into academic concepts and theoretical foundations of wargames, while the second term allowed me to design my own wargame, which was featured at King's Wargaming Week for playtesting and evaluation by various faculty members.
I participated in the annual events programme of the Wargaming Network, gaining additional education on organising and running wargames for a range of stakeholders. This culminated in facilitating a wargame for NATO ACT, providing a valuable capstone of professional experience. Within eight weeks, we condensed the entire process of proposal to a finished wargame, including graphics, rulebooks, and everything in between. It was a significant challenge but one that greatly aids me in my current role.
The experience of working with NATO ACT provided crucial professional exposure by allowing me to collaborate with current defence officials. It offered insights into their interactions with wargames, students, and overall operations, enabling me to see how to integrate effectively into the field.
How do you stay updated with the latest developments and trends in the field of wargaming?
Joshua: One notable aspect of King's, setting it apart from other universities, is the inherent integration into practical experiences. Many professors and staff bring their practical expertise into lectures, offering insights into ways to get involved and stay informed. Additionally, the network of students and friends, along with guest speakers heavily involved in war studies, contributes to a swift integration into the professional side of things.
While I won't directly speak about specific journals or sources as it depends on the specific context, the key lies in interacting with diverse individuals and attending relevant events. Through these interactions, one discovers various resources for staying informed. Personally, I find value in exploring journals like Small Wars Journal, Modern War Institute and the Irregular Warfare Centre. However, the most helpful insights often come from conversations with those actively engaged in the field.
What advice would you give to students who aspire to pursue a career like yours?
Joshua: For prospective students, I would say definitely go to King’s because it is the best way to get involved in war studies and the practical side of working on war related projects. As for those currently studying, my recommendation is to immerse yourself in everything available. Explore various societies, attend speaking events, and seize any opportunity to engage with professors after lectures.
The opportunities exist, you just need to reach out and discover them. While it may sound like common advice, it holds true – get out there. The more questions you ask, the more opportunities you'll uncover. I've personally found that by vocalising my interests to friends and fellow students, I discovered programmes, lectures, and events that I wasn't aware of. So, always engage with people, ask questions, and you'll unveil a multitude of possibilities.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of Josua Kovan and do not reflect the views of the US Army or the US Army War College.