Strengthening Defence Capability: Practical Advisory Methods to Battle Strategic Risk

In a recent Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Defence Connect’s Liam Garmin interviewed James Moorhouse, Atturra’s Director for Wargaming. They explored the ways in which Atturra strategically uses wargaming to address and mitigate the inherent complexities and risks faced by the Department of Defence (Defence).

Wargaming at Atturra

Atturra uses an experiential method to explore complex scenarios and manage uncertainties in a controlled, risk-free environment.

We build custom-designed tools, such as ‘Battle Chess’, to help Defence personnel in planning, visualising, understanding and unpacking both strategics and operational strategies.

James explains, “Wargaming at its core is about experimenting with ideas of change, safely. It allows Defence professionals to test assumptions, understand threats, and refine strategies without risking real-world resources.”

Alignment to Strategic Risk Management Objectives

Atturra’s use of wargaming directly aligns with Defence’s recent shift toward strategic rather than purely project-based risk management.

According to the 2024 National Defence Strategy (NDS), Defence personnel are explicitly encouraged to embrace higher levels of strategic risk to accelerate capability delivery.

Defence has called for the adoption of analytical tools such as wargaming, red-teaming and scenario testing to effectively anticipate and manage emerging strategic risks.

A Specialist Offering

Our distinctive approach is centred on the necessity for consulting firms to provide highly specialised expertise to complement the Defence workforce rather than replace core capabilities.

The NDS emphasises that consultants must offer specialist skills, enhance internal capability, and support Defence’s strategic outcomes. Wargaming, as a specialised and experiential consulting methodology, fits perfectly within this strategic direction.

Tailored Solutions for Complex Challenges

Our approach integrates with broader analytical and advisory capabilities, enabling tailored solutions to complex Defence problems.

As outlined by James Moorhouse in the podcast, the flexibility and adaptability of Atturra’s wargaming solutions support Defence’s objective of robust risk assessment and preparedness:

“Our approach isn’t prescriptive – it’s adaptive. Whether addressing diplomatic, economic, cybersecurity, or traditional military challenges, Atturra customises wargaming scenarios to accurately reflect the unique risks faced by Defence organisations.”

The Australian Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) similarly emphasises wargaming and simulation as critical analytical tools in Defence’s capability planning. Defence’s own use of advanced simulations to inform force structure decisions further validates Atturra’s integrated use of wargaming as part of an informed strategic risk management framework.

Commitment to Defence Workforce Development

Recognising that Defence’s greatest capability limitation is its workforce, Atturra directly supports Defence’s objective of cultivating strategic thinking and proactive risk management through innovative educational methodologies such as wargaming.

Noel Derwort, Atturra’s Executive General Manager for Advisory & Consulting, summarises this approach:

“A strategically capable Defence workforce doesn’t happen by chance. It’s shaped by deliberate practice in safe, realistic scenarios – exactly what our wargaming methodologies deliver. We provide Defence with tools that not only mitigate immediate risk but cultivate strategic foresight in personnel.

Trusted and Sovereign Capability

Atturra’s sovereignty further reinforces our alignment with Defence’s expectations for consulting firms to maintain rigorous standards of trust and integrity.

In an environment increasingly scrutinised for ethical consulting practices, Atturra’s sovereign status and commitment to transparency bolster its credibility as a trusted partner for Defence.

By integrating wargaming with Defence’s strategic risk management frameworks, we support Defence’s workforce to navigate operational complexity while building a resilient, prepared, and strategically agile mindset.

This is exactly what Defence demands in today’s rapidly evolving strategic landscape.

Find Out More and Watch the Podcast

To listen to the full podcast and see Battle Chess in action, check out Defence Connect. Find out more about Atturra’s capabilities in Defence here.