AAR 1

Major Panzeri's Military History class at USMAPS participated in the 1943 Kanev Campaign wargame, which took place on 11-13 February 2000. The 1943 Kanev Campaign is the battle that took place between the Soviets and the Germans in the vicinity of Kanev south of the Dnepr River where they both fought to gain control of the Kanev bridge. The overall Soviet mission was to defeat the Germans and take the Kanev Bridge. Several distinguished guests including Coast Guard Captain Mike Pierce, Navy SEAL Lieutenant Rehak, (retired Green Beret) Fred Hubuc, First Sergeant (retired) Rick Stakes, Dr. James Birdseye and, cadets from the Virginia Military Institute, the University of Connecticut, and the United States Military Preparatory Academy attended this campaign. After three days of planning the course of action the war game started.

In Major Panzeri's military history class, we researched and briefed the required information with our respective tasks. As a G-2 Intelligence Officer for the 3rd Guard Tank Army (GTA), I presented all the information that I gathered from the Internet, intelligence reports ,and decide on a hypothesis on what the enemy was most likely to do. The battle was fierce up to day three. I constantly tried to stay updated on the war's status by using the internet. The Soviets moved patiently and steadily, pushing the campaign through the weekend. I was fortunate enough to work as a G2, intercepting messages from both the German and Soviet commanders. As I carried out my job, I was able to experience the confusion, chaos and tense atmosphere of war. On the other hand, I saw the cohesion and strength required from a unified team.

Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills were all incorporated throughout the campaign. Among all the participants, certain individuals acted as TAC Commanders, moving Soviet troops to battle. Their teamwork displayed unselfish subordination of their own parts for the general effort of the entire group. Furthermore, the communication skills presented during this war led others to understand ideas and information accurately. However, in time of pressure, failure to convey and understand the information, intent, or meaning of another, especially between individuals of different perception did not stop many brilliant commanders. Working on both sides and collecting intelligence information was a fun learning experience. I learned that in the 'real' battlefield one must have leadership, be a team player, and have wide array of communication skills in order to lead a solid unit to the ugly depths of war and return victorious.

The overall campaign was both a learning experience and a chance to undergo the sensation of battle. In its entirety the campaign was a success for the Soviets participants. War-gaming battles encompass essential skills that any outstanding leader must use in his or her career. War-gaming is also beneficial, it offers dynamic decision making and overall confidence in one's teammates.