IO-Train™: Information Operations Training Using Modeling and Simulation

Information operations (IO) training is a challenging problem because of the abstract nature of IO tasks. Today, modeling and simulation, augmented with appropriate visualization and animation techniques, is seen as a promising approach to convey abstract IO concepts. Phase I of this project is concerned with researching communications and process models as well as simulation frameworks (e.g., NETWARS/OPNET) to provide fundamental insights into the information space associated with IO. Specifically, Phase I will develop effective visualization and animation techniques to convey abstract concepts in communications and mission planning for the warfighter. The relationship between measures of system performance, geometry of distributed assets, channel effects, and measures of mission effectiveness will be demonstrated through a concept-based prototype of scenario-based modeling and simulation. The results of the research will be analyzed to determine the content of training layers beyond system operations. Specifically, commercial advances in network communications planning will be levered along with the use of animation to train features of complex communications and protocols. The development approach will include a plan to integrate commercial modeling capabilities to both extend and influence operations.