40k and the U.S. Military, history of Wargaming

[MM3791]

Pretty cool article, enjoy!

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/gaming/2012/09/warhammer_40k_why_american_troops_love_to_play_a_game_featuring_orks_necrons_and_space_marines_.html

[wheelchairman]

ha they have a picture of simon in the article.

[Grand Master Steve]

I agree with this article. I have noticed a few military or former military personel play. Isnt Alan former UK military?

[Sir_Prometheus]

Yeah, this is pretty cool. 

[Sir_Prometheus]

Heh, is that picture at teh bottom Simon Leen?  Looks like it could be. 

[Benjamin]

Yes, that is Simon.

I believe that is a picture from last year's NOVA Open, playing his Sisters-as-DoA army. His opponent's expression is one I've worn many times. "Oh damn, I should have realized he could do that..."

[Warpedfuzz]

Yeah, this is pretty cool.

Don't know about any others, but myself was in US Army, & yes Alan was UK Army.Good article BTW.

[PhoenixFire]

Yeah, this is pretty cool.

Don't know about any others, but myself was in US Army, & yes Alan was UK Army.Good article BTW.

I'm former USAF myself. Would of been great to have had the hobby when i was in and deployed although i doubt i could of afforded it as a young enlisted living on base... or a slightly older enlisted living off base lol.

When i was deployed we had to amuse ourselves with cards, chess, checkers, dominoes and the lone copy of Axis and Allies i had crammed into one of my duffles.

I imagine they must of had their stuffed foamed up good and shipped to them because there was no way in hell i could even fit 500pts of models in my gear going over.

[jhobin]

I didn't find out until after I left the military that about 5 or 6 people in my company actually played 40k, and oddly enough one of my platoon sergeants was one of them.

[PhoenixFire]

I didn't find out until after I left the military that about 5 or 6 people in my company actually played 40k, and oddly enough one of my platoon sergeants was one of them.

There should be a secret handshake, a ribbon for your fruit salad, or a patch or something to denote our inner geek to our peers in the military.

Didn't know about 40k back then but we did have a pretty good 2nd edition D&D campaign going in my fire station on base for a year or two.

Axis and Allies and other board games during down time

[tilarium]

Former USAF here.  Got interested in the hobby while I was stationed at Fort Meade.  Went back to MD last year to visit a friend and learned that the GW hobby center where I got introduced to the hobby was gone... sad   

[Chase]

The military or ex-military gamers are some of the best and most active members of the community.

Interestingly enough, it seems the common "groups" of people that frequent the stores are:

1) Military or ex- military
2) Theater types
3) The musically inclined (Bands or any sort)

[Achillius]

I agree with this article. I have noticed a few military or former military personel play. Isnt Alan former UK military?

Yes I am, and I remember playing wargames while serving, both 15mm ancients, and with toy tanks as we figured out ways to better move as a unit through terrain.

Another example, maybe a less polular one, but it should illustrate the point; In WWII the SS used to teach their troops "Game theory" X number of troops with rifles at x range can hit x number of enemy in open, treeline.. etc. Its a great way to teach troops how likely it is they can get something done with the tools in hand.

cheers,
Alan

[The_Chef]

The military or ex-military gamers are some of the best and most active members of the community.

Interestingly enough, it seems the common "groups" of people that frequent the stores are:

1) Military or ex- military
2) Theater types
3) The musically inclined (Bands or any sort)

And not the group of restaurant workers? or are you talking only about plainvillians?

[Grimwulfe]

I think Chase forgot the working Professionals as well.  I run IT for my company in 5 different sites and neither am I Theatrical, Musical or military inclined.

Way to shun on the minority Chase!!  For Shame!!