USAF Wargaming Institute
To create a highly effective wargaming organization (wargaming in general, not just battle simulation), certain elements need to be included. I outline these pieces here. Certainly, wargames can be created without some of the elements listed in this post, but for best results, it helps to have the functions below within the organization in sufficient quantity and skill. Often organizations do not have the resources to acquire the necessary personnel or equipment for the best possible wargaming organization, but, it helps to think about the factors given here for gauging the costs and commitments needed to form the best possible team.
I. Game Designers
A. Design the visual and physical aspects of the game - game boards, game pieces, map layouts, rules
B. Skills: artistic; experienced in different games and game mechanics
II. Scenario Developers
A. Create a compelling storyline, injects, preparatory reading material, character reference sheets
B. Work directly with wargame customers to understand the purposes of wargames being developed
C. Skills: Versed in geopolitics, history, and current events; well-read
III. Analysts
A. Collect data before, during, and after wargame execution; convert data into analysis into interpretation
B. Work actively from the beginning with designers and developers to create the analysis framework
C. Skills: qualitative and quantitative experts; good with programming, spreadsheet analysis, software tools
IV. Adjudicators
A. Resolve combat or conflict and present new state of the game at each turn
B. Skills: integrate player inputs; understand battlefield constructs and framework
V. Technology Experts
A. Identify and configure the right technology for the given wargame (A/V, software, marker boards)
B. Skills: programming, A/V configuration, hardware/networks
VI. Facilitators
A. Help players manage time and meet game timelines; keep time; verbally enhance discussions
B. Skills: people-oriented, non-interfering, experienced in communications/public speaking
VII. Outreach Personnel
A. Share expertise and capabilities with a wide audience; amass customer base
B. Skills: good communication, energetic, can represent full spectrum of organization's capabilities
VIII. Play Testers
A. Run through games that are developed to work out kinks and ensure sensible play
B. Skills: game enthusiasts, experts in game mechanics, patience
The outline above is a good description of what it takes to create a sustainable wargaming organization in terms of the types of people required. The funding level and the numbers of people in each category can be determined by the capacity the organization wishes to sustain (number of wargames per unit time). So, if you want to form a wargaming organization, consider the factors above when hiring or assigning people to create, execute, and analyze those games and to sustain your organization through outreach.