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WHEN STRATEGY LEAVES THE PAGE WHY WARGAMING STILL MATTERS

In this episode, Wes Daugherty argues that while writing is essential for clarifying strategic thought, it cannot test how leaders perform against a thinking adversary. He illustrates this with a classroom example where a well‑written analysis collapsed in a wargame when faced with an adaptive opponent, highlighting the limits of written work. Daugherty explains that wargaming imposes immediacy, uncertainty, and collective decision‑making, making it a vital competency for developing strategic judgment. He calls for professional military education to treat wargaming as a core skill, complementing—rather than replacing—strategic writing.