Developed for the British Army’s Land Warfare Centre, the Battlegroup Commander Wargame System (BGWS) is an innovative, low-complexity wargame designed as an educational and training tool. It enables participants to engage in realistic scenarios involving the planning, command, and execution of military operations from Battlegroup to Platoon. This system is ideal for organisations aiming to enhance decision-making, tactical proficiency, and critical thinking within a controlled, simulation-based environment
Realism in Action
The BGWS mirrors modern battlefield combined arms, incorporating elements such as initiative, C2, and lethality. Initiative is dynamic, requiring players to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining momentum. Electronic warfare (EW), fires, and drone capabilities play a pivotal role, simulating their impact on communications, surveillance, and targeting. The game provides insights into the application and vulnerabilities of capabilities and lethality is emphasised throughout, reinforcing lessons learned about the high costs of mistakes and the need for precise decision-making under pressure.
Key Features
Scenarios:
Cover Platoon to Battlegroup, catering to diverse training and educational requirements.
Customisable Rules:
Core rules serve as a foundation, optional rules introduce specialised elements such as urban combat, EW, or Civ-Mil Co-operation.
Fog of War:
Concealment and sighting mechanics replicate uncertainty and intelligence challenges.
Decision-Making:
Constant, challenging decision-making.
Force Elements:
Adaptable to any combat units, command elements, and support assets. Force management captures combat strength, morale, and ammunition.
Physical Aids:
Quick-Start Guides, Scenario Instructions, and Player Aids for streamlined gameplay.
Reflection and Review:
After Action Reviews focus on analysing outcomes and identifying lessons and insights. Develop combined arms understanding.
What to expect
Plan:
Develop tactical plans using simplified staff planning processes.
Manoeuvre:
Command forces to exploit terrain, achieve objectives, and maintain control of the battlefield.
Find:
Utilise intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to identify threats and opportunities.
Fight:
Engage in decisive combat actions to neutralise opposition and secure mission success.
Application and Utility
The BGWS is particularly suited for military training, staff development, and military education. By simulating complex tactical environments, it cultivates a deeper understanding of command challenges and combined arms operations and fosters innovative problem-solving skills. This system’s modularity, realism, and focus on learning objectives make it a powerful tool for preparing individuals and teams for modern warfare.
Why use BGWS?
Suitable for any scenario and any mapping. Scenarios use authentic maps for precise tactical considerations.
Works with any Order of Battle.
No software dependency, ensuring full operational security. Cyber-proof, requiring no electricity.
Affordable yet sophisticated. Offers a cost-effective solution for professional military education.