3.2.1 Warfighter Needs
M&S complements and augments warfighter needs and capabilities across all IS&T subareas, and several other DTAPs and Joint Warfighter S&T areas (i.e., Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Joint Countermine). Advanced M&S tools and synthetic environments offer more effective and less resource intensive means of enhancing individual and unit performance. M&S can substantially contribute to improving the pillars of military capability-readiness, modernization, force structure, and sustainability. M&S will enable cost-effective Joint and combined training, mission planning, and mission rehearsals involving active and reserve forces, multiple echelons, and computer-generated simulations of large-scale forces (friendly, neutral, and hostile) on a synthetic battlefield. These distributed, interactive, synthetic environments will bridge large geographic regions and involve entire Joint forces from senior commanders to individual warriors. The use of M&S will reduce time, resources requirements, and risks associated with the acquisition process. Representations of proposed systems (virtual prototypes) will used to support acquisition activities, significantly reducing the time and expense of concept exploration, engineering, manufacturing, and follow-on support activities (e.g., training, maintenance). Decision makers can effectively and quickly simulate and then evaluate the consequences of alternative force structures with known or projected capabilities placed in various mission scenarios. High-fidelity models of logistics, personnel management, medical support, etc., will be integrated with combat models to allow a comprehensive analysis of sustainability.
3.2.2.1 Goals and Timeframes. M&S core technologies
must provide a cost-effective and timely capability to authoritatively
represent systems, processes, and operational environments. M&S
must provide readily available and operationally valid environments
for DoD components to: train jointly; develop doctrine and tactics;
formulate operational plans; assess warfighting situations; support
technology assessment, system upgrade, and system development;
and conduct force structure analyses and assessment. Research
is needed to more broadly and authoritatively apply models and
simulations across all of DoD. Supporting technologies are being
developed in other subareas of the IS&T technology area, as
well as in other DoD technology areas (e.g., Human Systems, Sensors
and Electronics, and Materials/Processes) and in the commercial
sector. Major M&S efforts are in the areas of: (1) Simulation
Interconnection, (2) Simulation Information Technologies, (3)
Simulation Representation, and (4) Simulation Interfaces. The
efforts of interest concentrate on the technologies that bring
about distributed, seamless, interactive, and adaptable models
and simulations. Efficiency is gained through sharing, reuse,
and standardization of data and common data structures; models
and algorithms; data exchange protocols; M&S services; improved
exercise generation and control; interfaces; and network communications.
The M&S goals are shown in Figure III.6 below. A roadmap that
focuses on the linkages and key relationships associated with
the corresponding DTOs is provided in Section 4.
| Interconnection | Complete high-level architecture prototype testing; baseline high-level architecture; prototype runtime infrastructure software; prototype federation development tools for accessing MSRR and developing federation object models; first generation object interaction protocols and standards test procedures; alpha level software for application dynamic multicasting technologies; demonstrate distributed exercise technologies. | High-level architecture compliance testing tools; second generation protocols and standards test procedures; dynamic multicasting grouping software. | Scalable and variable resolution models; 100,000 heterogeneous entities interacting in various dynamic multicast groupings |
| Information: | Initial consistent, conceptual models of the mission space prototype; second-generation data interchange format for critical sub-categories of five M&S data areas (scenario, doctrine and operations, environment, equipment, and force description); accreditation support services methodology. | Conceptual models and problem domain models visualized graphically using advanced, manipulatable 3-D models; conceptual information retrieval based solely on graphical or iconic inputs; 50 percent of warfighter validation of doctrine, functions, tactics, techniques, and procedures using conceptual models of the mission space; Data interchange formats incorporate emerging, complex data structures from highly derived data, and allows object-oriented data to be passed across all M&S data areas; prototypes of simulation system support tools. | CMMS conceptual models represent 50-60 percent of DoD activities; warfighters have worldwide access to conceptual models of DoD processes; evolutionary data interchange format products that support all data elements for the M&S community; data security; sophisticated complex data modeling techniques, tools, and structures |
| Representation | Initial capability to generate a 2,500 square kilometer M&S terrain database within 72 hours to meet identified crisis mission rehearsal requirements; database testbeds used for specifying interfaces among terrain, ocean, and atmosphere environments; roadmap for modeling human behavior. | Full capability to generate a 2,500 square kilometer M&S integrated terrain, oceans, atmosphere, and space database within 72 hours from multiple sources; interconnection of environmental models of different resolution; MSRR system access to all environmental data; authoritative system representations coordinated across DoD; representation of human C2 decision-making process to company and battalion surrogates. | Tools for dynamic, scalable (micro to macro) adjustment to representations within and among simulations that run in real time; interface specifications for seamless, consistent, synthetic environments; libraries of entity models; effectively represent the human C2 decision-making process for brigade, division, and Corps surrogates. |
| Interface: | Technical requirements for human-simulation interfaces across DoD; prototype distributed environment for C4I-simulation linkage. | First-generation prototype of dismounted warrior immersion in synthetic environment; multiplexed tactical data link and simulation; reusable linkage technology between simulations and real-world C4I systems; simulation linkages to design and manufacturing systems. | Full immersion of all live players into virtual world |
Developing coherent, complete, and consistent Conceptual Models of the Mission Space (CMMS) is also a difficult task. CMMS is an abstraction of Joint mission essential tasks list that serves as a frame of reference for M&S development by capturing the features of entities involved in any mission and their key actions and interactions. DoD M&S spans a wide range of missions (from unconventional to other than war missions) and M&S applications (from system acquisition activities to mission planning and rehearsal). The need for valid quantitative assessments of effectiveness and performance will lead to the collection of classified data. The distributed and interactive nature of advanced M&S capability make the standardization and securing of data an extremely complex technical concern.
Representations of terrain, the ocean, the atmosphere, and space must span large and diverse regions and must account for a large number of significant conditions and effects. Major challenges include the rapid generation of and near real-time interaction of these representations. New object-oriented, multi-spectral representations of synthetic environments are needed to enhance M&S support to battlefield awareness systems. The representation of human behavior must reflect human capabilities, cognitive processes, limitations, and conditions that influence behavior (e.g., morale, stress, fatigue). Providing variable human behavior for friendly, enemy, and non-hostile personnel remains a significant challenge.
Interfaces between live systems and synthetic environments must overcome two problems: (1) the interfaces between live systems and synthetic environments must be responsive and complete, and, (2) representations of live systems in synthetic environments and synthetic forces in live systems are needed to provide a consistent and coherent exercise.
A key challenge for supporting training while on the move (OTM) is providing responsive interfaces to synthetic environments for personnel using real C4I systems. OTM distributed M&S capability for training is challenged by the bandwidth capability available from the tactical communications systems.
3.2.2.3 Related Federal and Private Sector Efforts. DoD is leading in M&S interconnections, as well as in representations of the environment and systems. Other Government agencies such as Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Agency, Department of Justice, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and related state and local governments use distributed M&S to accomplish their missions and participate in the development of Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) standards. Both DoD and the commercial sector are heavily involved in efforts to standardize M&S information/data. DoD has the lead in the development of CMMS, the management of complex data, and the analysis and assessment of simulations. The private sector is addressing the modeling and simulation of individual and group behavior in terms of market research efforts and in evaluating combined human and system performance (e.g., automotive sector). DoD, other Government agencies, and the commercial sector are all heavily involved in M&S interfaces (e.g., DoD training systems, commercial entertainment interfaces, commercial design and manufacturing interfaces). DoD is leveraging industry's advances in visual displays, graphics quality, and the application of M&S in design and manufacturing.
3.2.3.1 Technology Demonstrations. M&S is used as a
tool in all of the DoD technology areas to support conceptual
analysis, technology development, acquisition, testing, fielding,
sustainment, operational effectiveness, training, and planned
product improvement, and is thus demonstrated in concert with
most current DoD technology developments. Although all Services
and Agencies are developing M&S applications, most of these
enabling technology development efforts are funded by the Defense
Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO), ARPA, and the Army. Demonstrations
of M&S are oriented toward showing advances in the application
of M&S as a tool. Demonstrations are grouped according to
the M&S DTOs.
| Platform Federation | BFTT, JTCTS, BDS-D, STOW, CCTT |
| Joint Training Federation | Eagle, JSIMS, NASM, NSS, DEEM |
| Analysis Federation | JWARS |
| Engineering Federation | JMASS, T&E-EW, SBD, IADS |
3.2.3.1.1 Simulation Interconnection Demonstrations. A complex of programs were selected as candidate "proto-federations" for the purposes of demonstrating a high-level architecture (HLA) prototype. These programs are grouped in the proto-federation based on a combination of technical issues being addressed, characteristics of the member programs, and common mission interests. The initial grouping are shown in Figure III.7. As an ACTD, Synthetic Theater of War (STOW) 97 will be the first DoD program to be totally committed to demonstrating High Level Architecture as its architecture.
3.2.3.1.2 Simulation Information Technologies Demonstrations. By FY96, CMMS prototypes should be completed for use in the M&S development process. The use of CMMS prototypes will be demonstrated in STOW-97 and in the development of Joint Simulation System and Warrior Simulation for the year 2000. Additionally, common DIFs will be available to reduce the time it takes to move the data from the data producer to the data user and to enhance M&S interoperability through the Data Interchange Format (DIF) and the larger DoD data standardization effort.
3.2.3.1.3 Simulation Representation Demonstrations. Authoritative representations of the environment will be demonstrated in many initiatives over the next few years. A surf zone demonstration will integrate atmosphere, terrain, and ocean databases. The Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IFSAR) will demonstrate the use of high altitude radar to acquire data to support the Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) program. The Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) has many pilot projects to demonstrate the fusion of data from various sensors to develop high-resolution databases. The nomination and adoption of authoritative representations of systems will begin soon. Initial plans for developing human behavior representations will be coordinated with some of the nation's top behavioral scientists.
3.2.3.1.4 Simulation Interface Demonstrations. The Rapid Force Projection Initiative ACTD (DTO B02) will use force-on-force simulations to progressively demonstrate incremental enhancements in live-synthetic environment interfaces culminating in an integrated live-virtual demonstration in a DIS environment. JWID will demonstrate the use of distributed collaborative planning and M&S services over a wide range of C4I systems from CinC/CJTF level to unit level.
3.2.3.1.5 Synthetic Theater of War ACTD. The STOW ACTD will demonstrate the use of a synthetic battlespace to support joint training and mission rehearsal, based on entity-level representation of platforms and interactions. The STOW ACTD program is extending and integrating core simulation technologies, including synthetic forces, synthetic environments, and real-time networking and information transfer. Specific advances include computer representation of C2 nodes (CFOR program); the incorporation of weather, phenomenology, and dynamic terrain in the synthetic environment; multi-casting software and hardware and fast encryption devices to support large-scale exercises. Additional objectives include interfacing operational C4I systems into the STOW system advanced exercise control and after-action-review and analysis tools aimed at reducing the overhead cost of using simulation. STOW also serves as an early prototype of the HLA and the CMMS initiative.
3.2.3.2 Technology Development. M&S supports and draws on the advances in all of the IS&T sub-areas, as well as in other technology areas. Within the IS&T technology area, M&S will benefit from advanced developments in seamless communications, information management and distribution, and computing and software. M&S will not only benefit from technology developments in decision making, but M&S will be a key element in advancing the "state-of-the-art" in that sub-area. Closely related R&D activities efforts, in other DoD technology areas, that specifically support M&S-enabling technologies include: (1) the modeling of environments in Sensors and Electronics that supports the development of physics-based authoritative representations of terrestrial, ocean, lower atmosphere, and space/upper atmosphere environments; (2) the Human Systems technology area efforts that will complement and support the development of the human-simulation interfaces; and (3) the simulation-manufacturing interfaces being developed in the Materials/Processes technology area. The M&S development efforts that will be supported within the M&S subarea or coordinated in other sub-areas/technology areas, include the following technology development efforts:
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3.2.3.3 Basic Research. The ongoing development of efficient
mathematical algorithms is needed to enhance the performance of
modeling and simulation. To enhance the ability to create, maintain,
and exploit distributed simulation systems, ongoing basic research
is in auto-code generation, real-time distributed databases, automated
knowledge capture, dynamic data probes, plan representation techniques,
and intelligent software agents. Behavioral science research supports
the development of authoritative representations of individual
and group C2 behavior.