Connecting simulation to the mission operational environment

A large number of tasks performed by commanders and staffs can be facilitated during operations by the application of simulation technologies. Traditionally the focus of simulation in the Department of Defense (DoD) has been on analysis and training. Simulations designed to facilitate course of action (COA) development and analysis, rehearsal, and operations monitoring can greatly enhance the effectiveness of staffs and commanders. Currently there are no operationally focused simulations built specifically for use during operations. There are many uses of simulation during operations. Simulations can be used to assist in Course of Action (COA) development and analysis. They can help orchestrate rehearsals and identify key synchronization issues. Simulations can be used to monitor the course of the operation. Finally, simulations can be used in after action analyses of operations. The research described herein is directly applicable to COA development and analysis, but it concentrates primarily on the use of simulation during operations, or operationally focused simulations. Operationally focused simulations are important, because they leverage simulation technology to improve situational awareness, prevent information overload, and help the commander stay inside the enemy's decision cycle. Large Army-wide efforts at improving situational awareness are underway. An operationally focused simulation provides the ability to look at an operation in the present, predict the future, or analyze what has occurred in the past. An operationally focused simulation provides more than just a view of the battle; it facilitates real-time analysis of the implications of friendly and enemy decisions. An operationally focused simulation, like a computer chess analyzer, simulates courses of action into the future and provides information to the commander and staff in a time-efficient manner. This information helps the commander make the right decisions at the right time. The overall intent of this research is to develop a methodology for using simulations during operations. This methodology will support the construction of tools, which will help decision-makers react quickly and accurately to a rapidly changing operational environment. In support of this research, a prototype simulation and software agent architecture were created. The capabilities of these prototypes as well as experimental results are described.

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