I Wargamed with NATO - Inside the Cross-Domain Command Wargame (2025)

Description:

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: Reading and Sourcing: This week - mostly my own observations for once Featured article on storms and sat disruptions NATO ACT NATO ACT - Multi-Domain Operations and Digital Transformation: Enabling Converged Effects in the Modern Battlespace NATO - CDCC Wagame 2024 NATO - SHINE 2025 Article on DD(X) UK MOD Wargaming Handbook (2017) 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