October 21, 2025, 12:02 pm
Well – this is a bit of a different one.
I spent most of last week with a team of NATO officers (OF3-5) and civilian experts gaming out a fictional invasion scenario as they tested new command concepts and approaches.
Today, I give you a bit of a look at how that played out, asking why militaries wargame, what happened with this one, and what I took from it.
Next episode we’ll pivot to the other aspect of this event which was focused on tech, innovation and lessons learned from Ukraine – but for now, let’s talk about the latest Donovian invasion of OTSO.
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/c/PerunAU
Reading and Sourcing:
This week – mostly my own observations for once
Featured article on storms and sat disruptions
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/5193/
NATO ACT
https://www.act.nato.int/
NATO ACT – Multi-Domain Operations and Digital Transformation: Enabling Converged Effects in the Modern Battlespace
https://www.act.nato.int/article/mdo-dt-enabling-converging-effects/
NATO – CDCC Wagame 2024
https://www.sto.nato.int/sto-researchers-demonstrate-ai-enabled-mdo-wargame-at-shine-event/
NATO – SHINE 2025
https://www.act.nato.int/article/shine-2025/
Article on DD(X)
https://www.twz.com/news-features/ddgx-next-generation-destroyers-capabilities-and-costs-are-solidifying
UK MOD Wargaming Handbook (2017)
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a82e90d40f0b6230269d575/doctrine_uk_wargaming_handbook.pdf
Caveats & Comments:
All normal caveats and comments apply. In particular – I note that this material has been created for entertainment purposes and is not intended to be a complete examination of the topic and should not be relied upon to inform financial or other any other views and/or decisions.
Any content relating to the conduct, views, activities or any aspect of any person or character in this video is included for entertainment purposes and does not represent an assertion of fact on those matters or any matters in relation to that person or character.
Care has been taken in compiling data, quotes, and other inputs from various sources but errors can occur. Quotes and included data should be considered illustrative, not definitive and their veracity should not be relied on.
As noted in the video, I received some benefits from the host organisation (coffee and food) but did not receive compensation for travel costs, accommodation, or time spent at the event.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 — Opening Words
00:00:48 — What Am I Talking About?
00:01:08 — Welcome to "Shine"
00:03:27 — Wargame
00:13:59 — the Cross Domain Wargame
00:22:09 — the Scenario
00:26:40 — the Game Played Out
00:48:00 — Observations
01:03:42 — Channel Update
Content Creator – Perun
