Models to Address Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic (DIME) Factors for the Propagation/Evolution of Ideas Through Defined Populations

We propose to evaluate and recommend a set of candidate models of the flow and evolution of population beliefs and intentions as the starting point for developing a deployable DIME Effects Model (DEM) for tactical commanders. DIME (Diplomatic, Information, Military and Economic) seeks to avoid counter-productive and conflicting activities during tactical operations by considering these factors in a coordinated manner during mission planning and execution. A DIME Effects Model will enable better integration of DIME into Effects Based Operations. To develop a DIME Effects Model, we bring depth and breadth of modeling experience and knowledge of Army doctrine and operations. Our team will identify the candidate models from the existing work on dynamic models of populations and select models with the potential for predictive modeling of DIME effects on populations, including effects on the population beliefs and PMESII itself. This effort will also create a framework for comparing disparate population models and an inventory of validation methods that for the models. In Phase 1 Option, we will implement a segment of one candidate model and demonstrate the model execution using one of the validation methods we identified.