The SIMNET Network and Protocol

Abstract : SIMNET is an advanced research project which has as its goal the development of technology to build a large-scale network of interactive combat simulators. This simulated battlefield will provide, for the first time, an opportunity for fully-manned platoon-, company-, and battalion-level units to fight force-on-force engagements against an opposing unit of similar composition. Furthermore, it does so in the context of a joint, combined arms environment with the complete range command and control and combat service support elements essential to actual military operations. All of the elements that can affect the outcome of a battle are represented in this engagement, with victory likely to go to that unit which is able to plan, orchestrate, and execute their combined-arms battle operations better than their opponent. Whatever the outcome, combat units will benefit from this opportunity to practice collective, combined arms, joint war fighting skills at a fraction of the cost of an equivalent exercise in the field. While simulators to date have been shown to be effective for training specific military skills, their high costs, have made it impossible to buy enough simulators to fully train the force. Further, because of the absence of a technology to link them together, they have not been a factor in collective, combined arms, joint training. SIMNET addresses both of these problems by aiming its research at three high payoff areas: 1) Better and cheaper collective training for combined arms, joint war fighting skills; 2) A testbed for doctrine and tactics development and assessment in full combined arms joint setting; and 3) A 'simulate before you build' development model.