The year 2001 has indeed been “an Odyssey,” a virtual journey, from where we were before to where we are now. And we in it, are now as big a part of History as those generations remembering 1776, 1812, 1861, 1914, or 7 December 1941 (or 1066 for that matter!). But note, all of these cataclysmic years were the advent of Decisive Wars, and THE SCRUTINY OF WAR is the heart of this hobby: Historical Miniatures Wargaming. Thus we are now obliged to utilize that scrutiny, delve into the contrasts, the “cross-period comparisons,” and above all the “WHAT IF?” of warfare. It is with this year of War and Remembrance behind us, that we pledge to do just that, advocate the SCRUTINY OF WAR.

While some advocate peace and ignoring the reality of war, we say “Ignoring warfare during peacetime is like ignoring the medical studies whenever you are not sick.” (And I must note that most Medical research is simply “WARGAMING” scenarios in the battle against germs, viruses, toxins, and aliments.

Although misunderstood by many, much good comes from our “scrutiny of war” through wargaming. I have always put this into my “Three Values of Wargaming” (which also indicates some of why we enjoy it.) My “First Value of Wargaming” is education, to increase our own understanding of History and human nature. Add to that a “Second Value of Wargaming” which is social, the precious and vanishing custom of socializing, and the group dynamics of bonding and Camaraderie between like-minded enthusiasts. Last but most noble and important for me (and many others), the “Third Value of Wargaming” is both Professional and Patriotic.” This comes from my extensive experience in US Military, European, and Asian gaming groups, and is where we can give back some of the joy we got from the first two.

When we teach young gamers, students and cadets to study, strategize, and be decisive in Wargaming, we help develop trained initiative and leadership within each. (See www.jodiecon.org for many examples.) We simply cannot fathom the impact we can have on our future military and civilian leaders, that generation, and the Military History yet to be made. It is in that context that we are not simply SCRUTINIZING WAR from afar, but we become a part of it ourselves.