Automated Toxicity Hazard Assessment Decision-aiding System (ATHADS)

The first and a key stage in military planning is the intelligence preparation of the battlespace (IPB). IPB is a continuous process that defines the battlespace environment and its effects and determines and evaluates likely enemy actions. Typically, characterization of the battlespace and its effects has focused on: performing terrain and spatial analysis (delineation of areas of operation, avenues of approach, cover and concealment, etc.); determining effects of weather on military operations (e.g. on mobility); and use of demographic information (population, cultural effects) to guide rules of engagement. However, a critical need exists to integrate the potential effects hazardous chemicals and material may have on subsequent mission plans. The presence of industrial toxic chemicals and materials can have a dramatic impact on mission success and is seen as a key impediment to force protection. Here we propose an Automated Toxicity Hazard Assessment Decision-aiding System (ATHADS) to support enhanced mission planning. Our approach leverages three synergistic technologies: intelligent agent-based information retrieval of toxicology data; a rule-based mechanism for information filtering based on retrieved information; and a Bayesian belief network approach to environmental hazard assessment and prediction. We see considerable potential for this approach in enhancing mission planning systems for operational forces.