DEGRE wargame seen as essential tool for modern deterrence

U.S. Strategic Command, in collaboration with the U.S. Naval War College, conducted the annual Deterrence and Escalation Game and Review (DEGRE) to examine and refine strategic deterrence concepts, bringing together military leadership, strategists, and allied partners to explore decision-making in a simulated global crisis.

The exercise centers on the dynamics of deterrence and escalation management. Designed to test a Whole-of-Government approach, it involves participants from various U.S. combatant commands alongside allied nations. The intensive, multi-day event challenges senior leaders to navigate complex geopolitical scenarios to ensure the nation’s strategic forces are prepared for 21st-century challenges.

“In today’s multi-polar nuclear landscape defined by rapid technological change, wargames like DEGRE are indispensable,” said Adm. Rich Correll, commander of U.S. Strategic Command. “DEGRE serves as a critical proving ground, allowing us to rigorously test our assumptions, integrate joint force capabilities across domains, and transform deterrence concepts from strategy to operational reality. Through this wargame, we demonstrate our force is not only safe, secure, effective, and credible, but also adaptable—guaranteeing the broadest array of military options, with the Joint Force, for the President and the Secretary of War.”

The structure of the wargame is designed to give participants insight into an opponent’s potential decision-making processes. By simulating the perspectives of adversaries and partners, U.S. leaders can better anticipate reactions and refine their own strategies, with the aim of strengthening stability in the global security environment.

U.S. Strategic Command works closely with the U.S. Naval War College to design, develop, and execute the annual event. The college’s depth in strategic studies and wargaming provides the intellectual foundation for DEGRE.

“The U.S. Naval War College is uniquely positioned to support U.S. Strategic Command as it considers the full range of deterrent options available to decision-makers as conditions around the world evolve,” said Rear Adm. Darryl Walker, president, U.S. Naval War College. “Our researchers and military experts can provide the latest insights into adversary motivations and behaviors, as well as capabilities and limitations. We can help USSTRATCOM critically think through multiple courses of action and understand how to achieve our most favorable outcomes and options for our civilian leadership. It’s crucial the U.S. military always stays two or three steps ahead of the next decision point in all situations and across all domains, and the U.S. Naval War College truly helps us do that.”