The Department of Strategic Wargaming conducts the Wargame Designer Course (WDC) twice annually at Carlisle Barracks, PA. The WDC is a rigorous, 10-day resident program designed to develop technically proficient wargame designers capable of supporting the Army, Department of War (DoW), and partner government organizations.
Upon graduation, students will be fully prepared to independently design, develop, and facilitate professional wargames that enhance education, operational planning, and strategic decision-making.
Army Accreditation: Army graduates are eligible to receive the W1A Additional Skill
Identifier (ASI).
Eligibility: Open to all ranks, military branches, DoW civilian career fields, and gaming experience levels (beginner to advanced).
To successfully graduate and earn course credit, students must fulfill the following:
1. Practical Application: Train on five or more distinct types of war and strategy games.
2. Academic Evaluation: Pass a comprehensive written examination.
3. Capstone Project: Individually design, develop, and facilitate an original wargame.
| Category |
Cost & Attendance Policy |
| U.S. Military & DoW Civilians |
Tuition-free. Sending organizations must fund all Temporary Duty (TDY) travel and per diem costs. |
| DoW Contractors |
Open on a space-permitting basis. Requires a formal endorsement from a government sponsor. |
| Other Federal Agencies |
Open on a space-permitting basis. Sending organizations must cover TDY costs. |
| International Students |
Must register and coordinate attendance via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. |