In the Federation Starfleet, the practice of conducting battle simulations (also known as war games or battle drills) was a common method of honing the tactical and combat skills of starship personnel. Starfleet Academy routinely used battle simulations to train its cadets, such as the Kobayashi Maru scenario, which detailed a no-win scenario. It was in existence in one form or another since before the 2250s. (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan; VOY: "Learning Curve")