#5--Eric Walters

In this episode, we discuss: -Wargames and the different ways to define them -The trouble with the term “games” -How Eric got into wargaming -How wargaming led Eric to study all kinds of military history -Eric’s thoughts on wargames as teaching tools for grade schoolers -The many benefits of wargaming -How wargames and reading helped Eric understand “the why” of doctrine, enemy tactics and organizations, and maneuver warfare -How we should be wary of using games as a means of evaluating Marines as combat leaders -Eric’s reaction to the explosion of interest in and acceptance of wargames in the Department of Defense -Some recent wargame developments in the Army and Marine Corps -Eric’s thoughts on General Berger’s focus on wargaming -Eric’s experiences running wargames in the fleet as a company-grade officer -How well the Marine Corps taught decision-making during Eric’s time as a young officer -On the power of being supported by your superiors -Eric’s thoughts on professional military education (PME) and what “professional” means to him -What good PME looks like -The need for one-on-one coaching in PME with accomplished masters -The dangers of self-directed PME -The need for study in the absence of experience -The role formal schools should play in PME -Eric’s thoughts on “lifelong learning” -The coaches Eric has had over his career and life -The value of belonging to a community of practice -American Military University’s influence on Eric -How decision games help build trust -Eric’s approach to building PME programs while on active duty and the results of those programs -What is critical thinking? -Some critical thinking models and resources that Eric uses -The relationship between decision games and critical thinking -Eric’s admonition to Marines to remain relevant and take a long view of future threats Links https://www.criticalthinking.org(for resources on critical thinking) “Interview with COL(R) Eric Walters, USMC” by Grogheads: https://grogheads.com/interviews/3066 “Maneuver Warfare in Commercial Board Wargames” by Eric Walters: https://mca-marines.org/gazette/maneuver-warfare-in-commercial-board-wargames/ “Is Mission Control the Weakness of Maneuver Warfare?” by Eric Walters: https://mca-marines.org/gazette/is-mission-control-the-weakness-of-maneuver-warfare/