Schriever Wargame

Schriever Wargame was a significant military exercise conducted to assess the effectiveness of United States Air Force (USAF) strategic missile systems and command and control structures. The wargame was named after Bernard Schriever, a prominent figure in the development of the USAF's Ballistic Missile Division. The exercise aimed to evaluate the potential outcomes of a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Background and Origins

The Schriever Wargame was conceived in the late 1950s, a period marked by intense Cold War tensions and the emergence of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) as a key component of nuclear deterrence. The United States Department of Defense and the USAF recognized the need for comprehensive wargaming to explore the strategic implications of nuclear warfare. Bernard Schriever, as the head of the Ballistic Missile Division, played a crucial role in organizing the exercise. The wargame was designed to simulate a limited nuclear war scenario, focusing on the command and control of strategic missile systems.

Objectives and Scope

The primary objective of the Schriever Wargame was to assess the effectiveness of USAF command and control structures in a nuclear war scenario. The exercise aimed to evaluate the situational awareness, decision-making, and response times of military commanders in the face of a nuclear attack. The wargame involved a team of experienced military officers and civilian analysts who played the roles of commanders and staff officers. The scope of the exercise included the simulation of nuclear attacks on Soviet military targets and the evaluation of the resulting damage assessment and response options.

Structure and Execution

The Schriever Wargame was conducted over several days, involving a series of simulation runs and war games. The exercise employed a combination of manual simulations and computer-based models to replicate the complexities of nuclear warfare. The wargame was structured around a series of scenarios, each representing a different nuclear war scenario. The participants were tasked with commanding and controlling strategic missile systems, making decisions on target selection, and allocating resources. The exercise was monitored and evaluated by a team of observers and analysts.

Key Findings and Outcomes

The Schriever Wargame yielded several key findings, including the importance of effective command and control in a nuclear war scenario. The exercise highlighted the need for improved situational awareness, enhanced decision-making processes, and more efficient response times. The wargame also underscored the significance of strategic missile systems in nuclear deterrence and the need for robust command and control structures. The findings of the Schriever Wargame informed USAF doctrine and strategic planning, contributing to the development of more effective nuclear war strategies.

Impact and Legacy

The Schriever Wargame had a lasting impact on USAF strategic planning and nuclear war doctrine. The exercise influenced the development of command and control systems, situational awareness tools, and decision-making processes. The wargame also contributed to the evolution of nuclear deterrence strategies, emphasizing the importance of effective command and control in a nuclear war scenario. The Schriever Wargame remains an important example of wargaming as a tool for strategic planning and nuclear war analysis, continuing to inform military strategy and policy to this day.

Category:Military exercises