Author Description

This thesis and wargame addresses the question, "Can a game be developed to enhance company level Unit Training Management within the National Guard?" By using a qualitative discussion format that showcases the need and relevance of such a training model, company level leaders in the National Guard can be better trained and developed to adapt to the possibility of competing federal training and state's no notice mission requirements. This research is augmented by the United States Army's implemented annual training requirements and recently published Sustained Readiness Model that is required to be achieved by the components of the Active, Reserve, and National Guard respectively. Furthermore, conducting research by playing a variety of classic and modern wargames, simulations, and board games, appropriate elements and mechanics were adapted to create a relevant game using the Time, Space, Assets, and Resolution or TSAR Model. Thus, through game development and testing of "Next Year is Now," a game that can improve company level Unit Training Management in the National Guard has been produced.This compilation also includes a reproduction of the 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community.The purpose of "Next Year is Now" is to expedite and enhance the leader development of newly assigned and current National Guard company commanders on how to develop a sound and achievable Unit Training Management program. Due to an inherent Title 32 training framework, National Guard officers must be deliberately developed in order to gain situational understanding of the many facets involved in developing, implementing, executing, and accessing their Unit Training Management program that is nested within their respective brigade's training goals and the Army's readiness guidance. Additionally, the intent of "Next Year is Now" is to enable National Guard officers to become adaptable and flexible towards emerging or changing requirements, while following the