Wargaming at HMCS Venture: Enhancing Naval Officer Training

Abstract

This article explores the integration of educational wargaming at HMCS Venture, the Royal Canadian Navy’s officer training school, focusing on the Introduction to Naval Operations (INO) Course. The study examines the establishment of wargaming at HMCS Venture and details its application through various wargames such as Naval Kriegsspiel, The Operational Wargame System (OWS), AFTERSHOCK, and Command: Modern Operations (CMO). It analyzes the educational outcomes and student engagement derived from these simulations, utilizing both analytical data and anecdotal evidence from the course. The article highlights the evolution of instructional methods from traditional lectures to interactive wargaming, emphasizing its role in enhancing junior Naval Warfare Officers' understanding of naval operations and warfare. The INO Course serves as a pivotal training ground for future officers, fostering a culture of wargaming and operational knowledge within the Royal Canadian Navy.