Metrology in Wargaming: Why Precision Measurement is the Key to Rigorous Analysis
In the world of professional wargaming, we often focus on the narrative, the mechanics, and the strategic "ah-ha" moments. However, for a wargame to be a valid tool for defense planning or policy analysis, it must be built on a foundation of rigor. This is where the principles of Metrology—the science of measurement—become indispensable to the modern wargamer.
The Yardstick of Reality Wargaming is frequently described as a "structured conversation," but without precise measurement, that conversation can drift into hearsay. By applying Metrology to our data collection plans, we ensure that the qualitative insights we gather are backed by quantitative accuracy. Whether we are measuring the "time-to-decision" for a commander or the logistical throughput of a simulated corridor, the standards of measurement we set determine the credibility of our results.
Measuring the Immeasurable One of the greatest challenges for…