An Integrated COA versus eCOA Tool

Current course of action (COA) planning is predominantly a manual ad hoc process where the mission planner seeks to maximize the immediate effects of his COAs while reacting to the opposition's known COAs, and possibly countering the enemy's immediate anticipated response. Long-term moves and countermoves are not considered, nor are objectives achieved in a calibrated quantitative manner. There is a need to search for optimal COAs by considering multiple friendly COAs in light of multiple potential enemy COAs (eCOAs) and "dovetailing" the effects of each side's actions into a chain of moves and countermoves, actions and reactions, that defines the overall sequence of unfolding events in combat. This Phase I project will develop and test software that uses an upgraded JANUS simulation to address this need within the context of UAV (or other vehicles) mission planning in light of enemy defenses. The Phase II effort will treat scenarios involving scores to hundreds of units on multiple sides, and be demonstrated within an EBO context. The software will be applicable to all branches of the military, and to the software entertainment industry. Natural Selection, Inc.'s sister company, Digenetics, Inc., is already well positioned to effect a successful commercial transition.