Modeling and Simulation in Defense

Abstract

IntroductionThe use of modelling and simulation (M&S) is becoming more pervasive throughout the NATO defence environment. Simulation models use a variety of techniques, which have evolved from system dynamics, information science and operations research (OR). There are closed simulations, without human interaction, which are used primarily for research and analysis. At the other end of the spectrum there are interactive simulations with considerably active participation of operators performing, in general, the human decision making process. The latter type has been the mainstay of experimental gaming or war gaming in the past, but is now finding increasing application in the computer-assisted exercises (CAX). Thus, it can be argued that, not only are simulation models and applications expanding, but that their associated techniques can be applied across the full spectrum of functional activities of armed forces.While the use of modelling and simulation for military purposes is expanding, recent work by the NATO Steering Group for Modelling and Simulation has demonstrated that most applications in the NATO nations have been developed by individual organisations to meet the explicit needs of a particular user community; are not integral to operational systems; take too long to build and cost too much; can not be used in concert and are not fully validated. The consequence was the proposal to develop and apply standards and interoperability procedures as provided by the High Level Architecture (HLA). 1M&S is an essential component for any intellectual behaviour. Human knowledge and intellect are based on the ability to create and manipulate models either cognitive or concrete, as an individual or in groups. The collection of information and the systematic creation of an image, model paradigm or construction, which represents a part of the real environment, are fundamental for the development of intellect. Only by experimenting or manipulating these representations in a goal-oriented, more or 20Modelling and Simulation in Defence less systematic approach, it is possible to determine those solutions, which comply with the desired objectives. The intellectual search for best solutions is always based on trial and error application of models. Learning is possible only by making mistakes but this should not be done with a real system of high value or with processes, leading to catastrophic situations. Therefore, only models, which permit the necessary simulations and experiments, are means for finding best solutions.With the quantum leap in the technical and methodological evolution characterised by digital information systems, modelling and simulation is contributing in high synergy to this development. Although the principles of experimenting in knowledge gathering on the basis of replicas of real systems are as old as the human intellect, models and simulations with digital computers have developed during the last few decades. The disciplines of natural sciences, in particular those with a quantitative and logical ap...

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