Battle Simulation Board Games: An Analysis in Terms of Design Characteristics and Leader Skills

摘要

The objective of this effort was to analyze three small unit battle simulation board games in terms of design characteristics, leader skill practice opportunity, and psychological fidelity. Three battle simulation board games--Tactical Opposition Exercise (TOX), Small Combat Unit Evaluation (SCUE), and Dunn-Kempf--were rated by the authors with respect to: (a) their administrative and design characteristics, (b) the degree to which they provide leaders with an opportunity for practicing leader skill, and (c) the degree to which they provide fidelity, i.e., require players to perform the same action as required in combat or engagement simulation exercises. Differences were found among the three battle simulation board games with respect to administrative and design characteristics, fidelity, and opportunity to practice leader skills. In general, TOX and SCUE received their highest ratings for training on problem solving and communication skills, whereas Dunn-Kempf received its highest ratings for training on technical skills, such as terrain analysis. (Author)