Author Description

This thesis and wargame addresses the strategic and operational aspects, and importance concerning logistics during the American Civil War by focusing on the Western Theater of 1862. Through the use of a qualitative discussion format, logistics and resources are highlighted through several characteristics such as the significance of railroads, rivers, and roads to transport troops and supplies, supply production, troop recruitment, value of proper planning and execution of supplies, and contracting services. Although the thesis and subsequent wargame are modeled from events that took place over a hundred years ago, the value of understanding the significance of logistics during war transcends to our current operating environment. The Time, Space, Assets, and Resolution (TSAR) model was used to capture the essential elements that make up a wargame. Furthermore, extensive research using numerous publications and playing classic and modern wargames was conducted to ensure historical elements and suitable mechanics were developed to ensure the intent of the educational outcome of the wargame was at the forefront of the project.This compilation also includes a reproduction of the 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community."Wargaming-Logistics of the American Civil War: Western Theater-1862" was designed for a broad audience including Civil War enthusiasts, commanders and staff officers at all levels, and wargamers willing to experience a different type of model focused on logistics as the means to overcome an opponent. The scope of the wargame is concerned with logistics at the operational and strategic levels of war. The focus is logistics; one of three elements of the warfighting function sustainment, the other two elements being personnel services and health support.A player will contend with aspects of planning and executing the movement of supplies and troops using rail lines, rivers, and road networks. The use of contracts to hire transport