Marine Corps University's Krulak Center is running a wargaming tournament called the "Mindgame Tournament" where individual players go head-to-head against an AI opponent, not a scripted bot, but an adaptive system built to think strategically and outmaneuver you. You play two scenarios using Command Professional Edition (CPE), a digital wargaming platform: a carrier strike group vs. carrier strike group scenario and a drone swarm scenario. Reserve Marines are eligible.
Heads up: Applications close 14 November 2026 and late submissions will not be accepted.
Who it affects
This is open to active and reserve Marines, Joint Force members, and government civilians and contractors associated with the Department of Defense and allied military organizations. You need a valid government or military email to apply. No prior CPE experience is required, but familiarity with Command: Modern Operations or CPE is preferred. If you're willing to learn, you can still apply.
What you need to do
- Review the tournament details and application at
https://www.usmcu.edu/Academic-Programs/Wargaming/. - Write a short application describing your wargaming experience, your interest in the tournament, and how it supports your professional development.
- Submit your application no later than 14 November 2026 at 2359 Eastern. Late applications are not accepted.
- If selected, you'll get instructions for Wargaming Cloud access, scenario procedures, and orientation sessions before the tournament starts.
A few things worth knowing before you apply:
- The tournament runs entirely online through MCU's Wargaming Cloud, accessed from a personal computer outside the MCEN. Use a laptop or desktop; tablet access is not optimized.
- CPE licenses are limited, so you may have to wait for a slot during peak play times.
- To qualify for standings and awards, you must complete at least five games in each scenario. You can play as many times as you want beyond that.
- Scoring is based on your top five scores averaged in each scenario, then combined: Final Score = Average Top 5 CSG vs. CSG + Average Top 5 Drone Swarm.
- An AI-enabled after action review tool using a large language model (LLM) is included, letting you dig into your game data conversationally after each match.
- Prizes go to the top three players overall and the top three Marine players separately, so Marines compete for their own podium.
Key dates
- 14 November 2026, 2359 Eastern: Application deadline (hard cutoff)
- 1 December 2026: Tournament begins; tutorial and practice sessions offered in the weeks before
- 1 April 2027: Tournament ends
The official version
This is MARADMIN 494/26. Questions go to the MCU Wargaming team at wargaming@usmcu.edu.
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.