Combat of the Commons

Combat of the Commons is a quarterly event put on by the Burgoignesc Security Forces to allow "combat entrepreneurs" to play in a simulated combat with the participating branches of the Burgoignesc Security Forces. It is an outgrowth of industry days, when defense contractors would showcase their wares, as the Burgoignesc Security Forces looks to democratize their innovation.

In the last 10 years there has been an increase in the number of drone operators and white hat hackers attending the events to innovate in the militaries use of those technologies.

It has also been noted that some nations, especially Caphiria, have used the event to probe the Burgoignesc Security Forces and their technology. This was revealed in a leaked 2031 paper where it was demonstrated that the Army of Burgundie was secretly using the event to perform counter-espionage against Caphiria.

Background
Combat of the Commons can be traced back to the era of closed-door industry days, where defense contractors exclusively showcased their innovations to military officials. Recognizing the need for broader collaboration and public engagement, the Burgoignesc Security Forces underwent a significant shift in 1996, officially launching Combat of the Commons. This marked a departure from the traditional approach, opening the doors to professionals, amateurs, and defense contractors alike with an interest in military affairs, technologies, and tactics.

The transition from exclusive industry days to Combat of the Commons faced significant initial challenges. Defense contractors were initially hesitant, concerned about sharing insights and proprietary information with the broader public. Public skepticism also lingered, as fears of risks associated with civilian involvement needed to be addressed. The first few events from 1996 to 2000 saw cautious participation and limited public attendance. However, by 2000, breakthrough collaborations and innovations began to redefine perceptions.

Overcoming these challenges required proactive measures. The Burgoignesc Security Forces engaged with defense contractors, emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaboration. Civilian ideas needed a strong industrial base to come to fruition, which would be paid for by the Burgoignesc Security Forces. Intellectual property protection measures were implemented to address concerns about protecting proprietary information, reassuring contractors about the security of their innovations, specifically all participants had to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Simultaneously, public education campaigns were launched to enlighten civilians about the importance of collaboration in advancing military capabilities.

Currently, Combat of the Commons stands as a dynamic platform where professionals, amateurs, and defense contractors openly collaborate. It has become a model for democratizing military innovation, fostering a vibrant community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of military technology and tactics. The initial resistance from defense contractors has transformed into enthusiastic participation, making Combat of the Commons a key event on both military and civilian calendars.

Combat entrepreneurs
Combat entrepreneurs are a community of professionals and amateurs deeply invested in military affairs, military technologies, and/or military tactics. These individuals or entities actively engage in the ideation, prototyping, and implementation of innovative military technologies, collaborating in both the real world or in online communities. This community forms a bridge between military and civilian expertise, contributing to the ongoing evolution of Burgoignesc military capabilities through their shared passion and commitment to advancing the field.

Key innovations

 * Key elements of the HERMES Collaborative Combat Network were proposed and trialed at the Combat of the Commons.