Slitherine has contracted to work with the UK's Defense Science and Technology Laboratory By Ian Boudreau

Some of the foundational wargames of the 20th century were produced to replicate the decisions faced by real-world military commanders. Now, wargames can be used to help commanders make and test those decisions, closing that loop in a rather poetic fashion. Slitherine has signed a £1.5 million, two-year deal to work with the UK's Defense Science and Technology Laboratory creating tools based on some of their popular wargames.

One of the reasons Dstl wants to adapt consumer wargames is that they tend to be easier to use than analytical software produced by the laboratory itself.

"I have played strategy video games myself - even some of the [Slitherine] titles that we looked at for this project," said a Dstl principal analyst. "They are generally easier to learn how to use and have far larger user bases than analytical defence simulations."

Dstl will be using Slitherine's Flashpoint Campaigns, Command: Modern Air/Naval Operations, and Combat Mission.

"We are excited to be working with a non-traditional supplier such as Slitherine, supporting the UK's prosperity agenda," said Rob Solloy, Dstl's division head for Defence and Security Analysis. "We are always looking for creative, collaborative solutions to the challenges of effective and user-friendly wargaming and simulation."

As it happens, Dstl is also looking to fill 15 positions, and they're looking for candidates with experience in both computerized and manual wargaming. You can find out more about the positions at the UK's civil service jobs site. If you think you've got the right skills, you can apply until August 24.