WG-11
Wargaming
Accelerated – Ground Operations Assessment Tool
MAJ Robert Horey, Steve Sallot
Center for Army Analysis
The Accelerated – Ground Operations Assessment Tool (A-GOAT) is a dynamic, web-based wargaming module built in Python using Streamlit, designed to model multi-phase ground engagements across multiple battle areas.
Abstract
The Accelerated – Ground Operations Assessment Tool (A-GOAT) is a dynamic, web-based wargaming module built in Python using Streamlit, designed to model multi-phase ground engagements across multiple battle areas. The purpose of this tool is to satisfy the ground maneuver phase of the Joint Analytic Wargaming System (JAW S) in games in which ground operations are not the primary focus. In traditional JAW S games, the ground phase requires approximately 2 hours to complete. We reduced that time to under 15 minutes using A-GOAT.
At its core, the application utilizes the JAW S database to pull and update unit information, allowing seamless integration between wargame steps. Engagements are resolved using the JAW S algorithm, which relies on combat strengths and force ratios to determine results. The battlefield is structured around an arc-and node-based system where factions attempt to influence the forward line of troops. The engine natively handles complex spatial mechanics, forced defender withdrawals, terrain effects, and defensive overruns based on the daily distance gained.
Key features of the application include:
• Granular Combat Modifiers: Users can dynamically adjust terrain difficulty, daily defensive reinforcements, and combat effectiveness multipliers to test various operational conditions. • Predictive Monte Carlo Simulation: A built-in forecasting engine runs thousands of virtual iterations of proposed battle plans . It provides users with immediate, data-driven predictions on success probabilities, expected losses, and projected advance distances.
• Intra-Day Analytics: The system tracks and visualizes the chronological flow of battle, capturing peak combat strength prior to combat and post-combat attrition. This offers a clear visual narrative of operational degradation and daily reinforcement trends.
Ultimately, this tool acts as a comprehensive predictive wargaming dashboard—enabling users to test tactical hypotheses, manage sustained unit attrition, and visually track campaign progression over time—using a simple format that requires minimal training time.
At its core, the application utilizes the JAW S database to pull and update unit information, allowing seamless integration between wargame steps. Engagements are resolved using the JAW S algorithm, which relies on combat strengths and force ratios to determine results. The battlefield is structured around an arc-and node-based system where factions attempt to influence the forward line of troops. The engine natively handles complex spatial mechanics, forced defender withdrawals, terrain effects, and defensive overruns based on the daily distance gained.
Key features of the application include:
• Granular Combat Modifiers: Users can dynamically adjust terrain difficulty, daily defensive reinforcements, and combat effectiveness multipliers to test various operational conditions. • Predictive Monte Carlo Simulation: A built-in forecasting engine runs thousands of virtual iterations of proposed battle plans . It provides users with immediate, data-driven predictions on success probabilities, expected losses, and projected advance distances.
• Intra-Day Analytics: The system tracks and visualizes the chronological flow of battle, capturing peak combat strength prior to combat and post-combat attrition. This offers a clear visual narrative of operational degradation and daily reinforcement trends.
Ultimately, this tool acts as a comprehensive predictive wargaming dashboard—enabling users to test tactical hypotheses, manage sustained unit attrition, and visually track campaign progression over time—using a simple format that requires minimal training time.
Presenters
- MAJ Robert HoreyCenter for Army Analysis
- Steve SallotCenter for Army Analysis