Deep-dive into the controversial history of the Millennium Challenge 2002 (MC02), a massive $250 million military exercise that remains a case study in institutional bias over data.
The exercise pitted the U.S. military (Blue) against an adversarial force (Red) led by Marine Lt. Gen. Paul Van Riper. Using asymmetric tactics—motorcycle couriers and silent signals instead of radio—Van Riper managed to sink the Blue fleet.
Instead of learning from the failure, organizers reset the game. They forced Red to use GPS, exposed positions, and ultimately ensured Blue won. This “corruption” wasn’t just about losing face; it confirmed that the military preferred a scripted victory over a painful, realistic lesson.
This legacy highlights a critical tech and strategy issue: when decision-makers ignore data to protect the status quo, innovation dies.
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