WAR GAME: A Chilling Scenario for the Next January 6th Insurrection

The Premise of WAR GAME

• 🎯 WAR GAME is a 2022 documentary that simulates a future insurrection scenario, building upon the events of January 6th, 2021.
• 💡 The film explores the possibility of a more disciplined and nationwide extremist group, potentially led by a rogue US Army general, attempting a coup d'état.
• 🎬 Produced in a suspenseful, immersive style, it features bipartisan experts in national security, military, and law enforcement tasked with resolving a simulated crisis.

Origins and Motivation

• 📜 The war game was inspired by a Washington Post op-ed by three retired generals who warned of extremist views within the military ranks and the potential for a successful coup.
• 🇺🇸 The Vet Voice Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit representing over 1.5 million veterans, organized the exercise due to concerns about domestic extremism and the disproportionate number of veterans involved in the January 6th events.
• 🤝 The project aimed for public accountability, involving high-caliber individuals from the last five presidential administrations, including former General Wes Clark and former Trump administration member Elizabeth Newman.

The Scenario and Its Realism

• 📉 The scenario posits that a small percentage of active duty military and National Guard members might follow a losing presidential candidate's call to seize power.
• ⚠️ It highlights that even a few individuals can incite significant unrest, drawing parallels to historical extremist movements.
• 📱 Misinformation and disinformation on social media play a crucial role, with a simulated Twitter feed used by insurrectionists to incite overreaction and create martyrs.

Challenges and Political Polarization

• 🗣️ A significant challenge is the partisan polarization surrounding the issue of extremism within the military, with some political factions dismissing such concerns.
• 🏛️ The film emphasizes that Congress has largely failed to act on recommendations from nonpartisan groups and agencies regarding these threats.
• 🚫 Republican leaders in Congress have shown little interest in engaging with the project, despite invitations to screenings and the distribution of confidential reports.

Relevance and Hope

• 📈 The documentary's relevance has increased with recent political developments, including the potential for using the Insurrection Act for partisan purposes and mass deportations, as outlined in documents like Project 2025.
• 🤝 Despite the grim scenario, the film offers hope by showcasing thoughtful, principled leaders from diverse backgrounds collaborating to protect democracy.
• 📢 The message is to be prepared for potential threats rather than ignoring them, with the film available on various streaming platforms and for screenings nationwide.