This staff ride examines a coalition task force conducting counterinsurgency operations in the Waygal Valley of Afghanistan, 2007-2008. The primary focus of the study is an insurgent attack on a small outpost occupied by the 2d Platoon of C Company, 2-503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. In the early morning of 13 July 2008, a force of 150-200 insurgents attacked the position resulting in nine American fatalities.
The primary learning objective is to discuss the enduring insights of combat in a complex environment, especially at the junior leader at the platoon and company levels. However, the staff ride can also be tailored to concentrate on issues relevant to leaders at the battalion and higher levels.
The Wanat VSR is fully exportable to any organization that has access to the Army-licensed gaming software, Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3). Each exportable package includes full instructor support materials, student readings, and instructions on how to use everything. Please see below.