The United States Army is calling on active duty soldiers to help the U.S. prepare for future warfare by writing fictional stories. A new program called “Future Warfare Writing Program” plans to collect soldier-written fiction and use it as a tool to “plan for the future and prepare for the future.” of warfare.
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The stories submitted by soldiers will be submitted on the Army Press Online website. Soldiers are encouraged to write 3-8 page stories that focus on future challenges and problems the Army could face in a complex world. Amanda Hemmingsen, editor of the Army Press Online Journal and manager of the Future Warfare Writing Program, says the program was inspired by the popular novel “Ghost fleet” that describes how a hypothetical WWIII would play out.
Ghost Fleet by August Cole: A book that inspired the Future Warfare Writing Program
Hemmingsen claims that the book allowed the U.S. Army to dispel myths that fiction is simply “just for fun.” She argues that writing fiction helps soldiers foster a “well-developed imagination” that can be applied to real world problems. She claims the program will encourage soldiers to be more adaptable and think on their feet.
She also claims that the submissions will help the U.S. Army prepare for the future. She uses the first submission from June as an example. The first submission, titled “Ain’t much to look at— Reconnaissance and Security Operations in the Future ABCT Cavalry Troop” describes how tactical operations could change in the future based on possible technological advancements.
The program is open to all soldiers. They are encouraged to submit photos, drawings and images to accompany their stories. The second submission is scheduled to be posted sometime in July.
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