JADE: A Tool for Rapid Crisis Action Planning

Abstract : The Joint Assistant for Deployment and Execution (JADE) offers a new technique for rapid force deployment planning, especially in crisis situations. JADE is being developed by BBN Technologies under contract to the Air Force Research Lab and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). It is being designed to operate within the next generation Global Command and Control System. JADE implements state of the art technology to reduce the time typically required for building a Time Phased Force Deployment Data package, which presently takes days or weeks, down to approximately one hour. In order to support the command and control needs of planners today and in the twenty-first century, several challenges are being met to transition JADE from a research prototype to a fully operational system. These include integrating various data systems, seeking user input and buy-in, porting to new computing environments, assuring compliance with the Defense Information Infrastructure Common Operating Environment, and testing in exercise scenarios. A potential technology transition candidate for JADE is the Adaptive Course of Action (ACOA) program. ACOA is a DARPA advanced conceptual technology demonstration (ACTD) that provides the means to employ new technologies in the Joint Operations Planning and Execution environment. The ACOA tool suite is also a key enabler in achieving Joint Vision 2010. In this paper, a detailed overview of JADE is provided along with plans for technology transition.