Wishlist: The Next World War

[Suhiir]

I've used similar systems (a squad level game I had in the late 80's I no longer recall the name of) in the past and they can work fairly well to represent the initiative generally demonstrated at smaller tactical unit levels.

But to represent Command & Control? Maybe ...

It might work well if a military uses a centrally organized structure and deviation from "The Plan" is discouraged, i.e. the classic Soviet system, because because lower level commanders aren't taught, encouraged, or permitted to exercise independent judgement. But to assume all military organizations work that way couldn't be further from the truth. SAS, SEALs, Spetsnaz, and similar forces are expected to act based on their own judgement and assessment of the situation. A loss of links to higher command has zero effect on their ability to act, yes, it may well degrade (severely) their ability to act in the most efficient manner and time, but their ability to act ... not a whit.

I'm biased, always have been, I was a Jarhead, we're also taught to assess situations and act without waiting for orders. So I have a certain amount of difficulty comprehending not operating that way.