Understanding Educational Wargaming in the Military Sector

Join my webinar to explore the concept of educational wargaming, its distinct value as a teaching tool in military education.
About this Event

Wargaming is a term that encompasses a wide range of applications within the military sector, yet many leaders use it without fully grasping its meaning or the various types it includes. In "The Craft of Wargaming," wargames are categorized into three distinct types: analytical, experiential, and educational. While I have an understanding of both analytical and experiential wargaming, my primary focus is on educational wargaming—specifically how to help schoolhouses recognize its value and implement it effectively.

In this webinar, I aim to provide attendees with a clear understanding of educational wargaming and its potential as a powerful teaching tool. Unfortunately, some institutions have incorporated wargaming into their curricula without a clear purpose or alignment with their educational goals. I emphasize the importance of intention in wargaming; if a game is played merely for the sake of playing, it loses its educational value.

Join me to explore how educational wargaming can be leveraged to enhance learning outcomes and enrich military education.

Nicanor A. Galvan (Nick)

I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years, where I gained extensive experience as an infantryman, completing three deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. Over the course of my career, I advanced to the ranks of First Sergeant and then Sergeant Major before my retirement. My most cherished time in the Marine Corps though was as a squad leader during OIF I with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines 2003.

Throughout my active service, I dedicated myself to military education, serving in various roles that shaped the next generation of leaders. I began as a Combat Instructor at the School of Infantry West, then became a Faculty Advisor at the Staff Noncommissioned Officers Academy in Quantico, VA, and ultimately served as the Director of the Staff Noncommissioned Officers Academy in 29 Palms, CA. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Military History from American Military University and a Master's degree in Education from National University. One of my specializations in education while on active duty was in decision-forcing case study creation and delivery.

After retiring, I continued my commitment to education as a Faculty Advisor at MARSOC, where I taught facilitation skills to the instructor cadre. I currently serve as the Deputy Officer in Charge of the Marine Corps Center for Learning and Faculty Development-East, where I discovered the transformative potential of wargaming in educational settings. To deepen my expertise, I have completed several prestigious courses, including the Naval Postgraduate Wargaming Apprentice Certification Course, the MORS Certificate in Wargaming Course, and the Army War College Wargame Design Course. I have had the privilege of designing educational games for various military schools, integrating wargaming to enhance learning outcomes.

In my personal life, I enjoy playing Go, participating in triathlons, and cherishing time with my family. I am happily married and a proud father of two sons.