Advanced Analytics & Wargames

Before I started working at Booz Allen, I had never even heard of the word “Wargame.” Now, I’ve just completed a two-day game in which I was the rapporteur (aka. note-taker). Basically, I sat and listened to a bunch of subject matter experts (SMEs) discuss possible scenarios, which helps lead to key insights. I’m having some difficulty keeping up with all the military and government speak, but hopefully I’ll catch on soon.

Wargames aren’t as scary as they sound, especially since the clients of the games range from non-profit organizations to large corporations, and obviously to military as well. A wargame is simply a methodology for understanding the issues that one leader, no matter how visionary, cannot grasp on their own. This can apply to any issue, not necessarily a “war” situation; and the wargaming consulting that Booz Allen creates does not focus on “force-on-force” conflicts. These games are an important strategic tool because it gives our clients the opportunity to test their ideas in a safe environment that simulates the complexity of their fields of practice. This way, they can gain insights and make strategic breakthroughs that may lead them to rethink their entire approach to their work.

“The planning, research, design, and preparation of wargames begin with a conversation or series
of conversations with the client’s core group of decision makers or policymakers. They have come to Booz Allen with a problem they want addressed, but the critical objective of a prospective wargame needs to be identified. My team realizes that one size doesn’t fit all in wargaming; everything is made to order, and that requires customized research.” – Wargaming for Leaders (http://www.wargamingforleaders.com/wargaming/index.html)

This isn’t the only aspect of advanced analytics though because advanced analytics integrates the former Modeling, Simulation, Wargaming and Analysis functional team with a capability in policy analytics. Analytics focuses on helping decision makers understand the impact of their decisions on their mission through the use of sophisticated quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques. Specifically, the Policy Analytics team (my team) develops innovative analytic capabilities across the full range of the Policy Lifecycle and delivers strategy and policy services in the Defense, Cyber, Security Civil, and Commercial markets. Right now, I’ve been working on a lot of research and proposal writing, and sitting in on other on-going projects to begin to learn how the whole policy lifecycle operates.

Well that’s a lot of information. If you have any questions about it, I can TRY to answer, as I’m still learning what it is myself. That’s why I’m posting this!