Instructions

Playing a tactical decision game is simplicity itself:

Read the presented scenario, which will take you to a decision point requiring you to take action.

• In the time allotted, post a comment describing what you will do, in the form of the orders you will issue to your subordinate elements, and any additional reports or requests you will make.

• Provide a rationale explaining your decision, because the why is at least as important as the what. This does not need to be done in the time allotted but can be done more thoughtfully afterward.

• Then join in a professional discourse about tactics by replying to other people’s solutions.

Combat orders use a standardized format, which in simplest form follows the acronym SMEAC:

• Situation

• Mission

• Execution

• Administration and Logistics

• Command and Signal

This standardization is designed to improve communication and coordination, and generally it does—as long as it’s not followed slavishly to the point that form gets in the way of substance. To learn more, the best short discussion on combat orders under time pressure is Brendan McBreen’s “All Stations, this is Kodiak Actual …”

If you’re interested in submitting a scenario of your own for publication, or if you’re interested in learning more about what we do at ShadowBox, please contact us at info@shadowboxtraining.com.