The military uses roleplay and storytelling. Why shouldn’t we?

Did you know that militaries play games to prepare for war?

I only learned this recently and I was immediately intrigued. I mean, the stakes don’t get higher than that. But what really struck me was very familiar terminologies. Many of the principles they use are the same ones we talk about in learning design.

Simulated scenarios

War games allow military leaders to explore high-risk situations in a safe, controlled environment, testing decisions before lives or nations are on the line.

Immersive roleplays

Participants step into the shoes of national leaders or adversaries, gaining insights into opposing mindsets and the complex dynamics of global conflict.

Feedback loops

These games offer real-time consequences. Every move invites a response, helping participants learn and adapt quickly.

Storytelling

The way actions are framed impacts not just tactics, but international perception and support. Narrative matters.

If militaries, where the margin for error is razor-thin, see value in these methods, then surely our organizations too can derive benefit from them.