Representation of Search and Target Acquisition Protocol in Models and Simulation

Abstract

This research evaluates the representation of individual Soldier Search and Target Acquisition (STA) protocols in models and simulation and identifies gaps in the current methodology and implementation. The primary contributions of this research include a synthesis of related literature, an algorithmic exploration of the current STA algorithms implemented in military simulation models, a functional analysis of three systems with a significant relationship to STA, and a determination of gaps and proposed solutions to improve the representation of human STA in military simulation models. The analysis highlighted gaps in three important STA representations: (1) field of view search, (2) identification in a field of view, and (3) information acquisition and situational awareness. Implications and recommendations to resolve these gaps are discussed.