Simulations in Command Posts of the Future

This paper discusses ways in which simulations can support commanders and staffs in command posts of the future. The paper discusses uses for simulations in decision support. The importance of simulation technologies in the (military) operational context is described. The paper describes how simulations can be integrated into command posts of the future to assist in the conduct of planning, rehearsals, operations, and after action reviews. Finally the future of simulations in command posts of the future is discussed. OVERVIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SIMULATION TECHNOLOGIES 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. Currently, there are no operationally focused simulations, built specifically for use during operations. Simulations designed to facilitate course of action (COA) development and analysis, rehearsal, and operations monitoring will enhance the effectiveness of staffs and commanders. The Army Modeling and Simulation Office (AMSO) recognized the importance of simulation in command and control, and they identified five voids in current modeling and simulation technology for the Army After Next [1]. Three of them were automated decision aids, COA tools, and tactical information aids. The methodology proposed in this paper, originally described by Surdu and Pooch [2], intends to fill these three technology voids. The Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA) has also recognized the importance of simulation in command and control activities. A DARPA concept briefing for the Command Post of the Future (CPOF) project provides a list of several tools that will provide input to the Battlespace Reasoning Manager, Among these are "Planning and Analysis Applications" and "3D Models and Simulations." In another part of the briefing, DARPA notes that "Battlespace Reasoning, Analysis, and Simulation” assist the commander’s perception and understanding of the battlespace. Finally, Bunker described one form of information to be gathered and protected during information operations as behavior information, the "three-dimensional simulation that will predict the behavior of at least physical objects, ultimately being able to ‘wargame’ courses of action.” [3] While there seems to be wide recognition of the eventual usefulness of simulations, there seems to be no proposed methodology for using them. Even in this DARPA CPOF program, the program seems to be focusing on kludging existing, legacy simulations into the command post, rather than rethinking the manner in which simulations can assist commanders and staffs. [4] Essentially the planning techniques and command and control processes used by the Army date from when US staffs were reorganized to integrate more easily with French staffs during World War One. Billions of dollars have been spent automating a process that is more than eighty years old. Despite all this money and the infusion of numerous automated systems into command posts, the technology that has had the most significant impact on the way we do business is the Post-It