Summary of Why You Don't Want "Realistic" Logistics In A Wargame

00:00:00 - 00:50:00

The video discusses the importance of logistics in a wargame, and how adding logistics assets on a map can quickly become cluttered. It also talks about the use of consumption rates to impose logistical constraints, and how they don't take up as much space on the map as actual logistics assets would.

• 00:00:00 The author discusses the importance of realistic logistics in war games, giving the example of a mechanized battalion in the US Army. Within the battalion, there are staff members responsible for logistics planning and execution, as well as the battalion's maintenance officer.
• 00:05:00 The author discusses the importance of space and movement in logistics, and how space and movement can become an issue in a Wargame. He discusses the company level combat trains, the combat trains command post, and the battalion level field trains. He also discusses the importance of individual officers in logistics, and how they can be replaced if lost.
• 00:10:00 The video discusses the importance of having key logistics assets located in an appropriate location, as well as the difficulties of doing so on a battlefield. It discusses the key support assets available to a unit, including ambulance exchange points, combat trains, and battalion aid stations. Finally, it explains how the enemy prisoner situation can complicate logistics planning.
• 00:15:00 The video discusses the importance of realistic logistics in a wargame, and how adding logistics assets on a map can quickly become cluttered. It also talks about the use of consumption rates to impose logistical constraints, and how they don't take up as much space on the map as actual logistics assets would.
• 00:20:00 In a wargame, logistics play a significant role in limiting the number of combat assets that can be used. The logistics team is essential in ensuring that the combat assets available to the brigade are used efficiently, and that the brigade can still fulfill its assigned mission.
• 00:25:00 The author discusses the drawbacks of having realistic logistics in a wargame, noting that it can lead to a lot of administrative overhead and less excitement on the battlefield. He suggests alternative methods of training officers that would be more applicable to real-world combat.
• 00:30:00 The video discusses how realistic logistics can be in a game, with the main focus being on what is relevant to the scale at which the game is played. The video discusses how something like a third-reich game, where each turn is months-long, can have an economic model in it.
• 00:35:00 The video discusses the various considerations that must be taken into account when designing a logistics system for a wargame, including the scale of the game, the importance of the local road network, and the importance of civilian populations. It also mentions the importance of having designated areas outside of towns for military assets, and the importance of avoiding contaminating civilian populations.
• 00:40:00 The speaker discusses the challenges of logistics in a wargame, discussing the importance of realistically representing assets and terrain, the complexity of such a task, and the need for multiple people to plan and execute logistics.
• 00:45:00 The video discusses the importance of logistics in a wargame, and how combat units can be affected if their logistics are disrupted. It also discusses how logistics can be a significant factor in campaigns and scenarios.
• 00:50:00 The author discusses how logistics can be a challenge in a wargame, noting that if the battlefield is not maintained, troops may not be able to perform their functions effectively. He also discusses how to incorporate logistics into a game, noting that it may be possible to do so using a more generic system similar to the ones used in games like "NATO Air Commander."