The need to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure sites in EU and NATO countries was the sole focus of two wargaming courses organized by Hybrid CoE in conjunction with the US Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). The courses, held in Helsinki between 12 and 23 August, brought together a diverse group of operational planners and officials from institutions such as the EU, NATO, MFAs, MODs, and MOIs of the Centre’s Participating States. Eleven countries were represented among the participants.
“Focusing on wargaming topics such as critical infrastructure protection is essential as it allows us to prepare for potential threats and cascading effects, ensuring our resilience in the face of uncertainty. By simulating scenarios, we can protect the backbone of our society, safeguarding not just assets but also the continued functioning of our communities,” said Ms Shiho Rybski, Director of Training & Exercises at Hybrid CoE.
The courses have been designed with a clear goal in mind: to teach the practical tools and techniques of wargaming in a hybrid threat environment. This essential skill is not just theoretical, but directly applicable to planning, strategic thinking, and decision-making in the real world.
“The synergy of having participants with such a wide range of diverse expertise created an outstanding learning environment and set the conditions for two great hybrid wargames to be developed,” commented Jeff Appleget, Wargaming Director at the US Naval Postgraduate School.
The courses took place in Helsinki for the fourth time, but have been conducted by the NPS around the world since 2011. This time, they consisted of a basic element, focusing on foundational wargaming principles and techniques, and an advanced element, delving further into wargame refinement techniques, specifically designed for Hybrid CoE to allow for an in-depth exploration of the topical issue of critical infrastructure protection.
