Date of Award

3-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Joseph P. Cain, PhD

Second Advisor

Edward P Negrelli, PhD

Abstract

This thesis examines the problem of whether one can use commercial wargames as a tool for historical research. The research examines two wargames dealing with the battle of Little Round Top: Gettysburg: The Turning Point and Thunder at the Crossroads. This research emphasized the need to analyze the wargame's structure prior to playing the game. This will avoid a possible mistake of drawing a conclusion about a particular driver in the battle which may not be from the historical situation but rather an inevitable outcome produced by the model's basic assumptions. Additionally, quantitative measures of time lines, casualty rates, and force ratios were examined during the replay of the historical battle and two other 'what if' scenarios. Although some parts of the games are open to debate, for the purpose of exploring the historical battle and playing 'what if' type scenarios both served their purpose: to open one's imagination and develop insights. The results of the games must be judged on their insights into the battle, not as a precise prediction of what would happen.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GST-ENS-93M-09

DTIC Accession Number

ADA262548

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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