For Development of Modeling and Simulation Techniques for Large-Scale Communications Modeling

Modeling and simulation is generally accepted as an effective way of analyzing command, control, and communication systems. As larger and more complex systems are considered, however, the costs of running the simulations is increasing, particularly in the human resources required to set up the runs, verify their accuracy, and analyze the resulting data. Options available are 1) run existing models faster, 2) run simpler models, and 3) automate part of the tasks of the analyst. Models can be made to run faster with faster computers and code or by changing the calculations made. Simpler models can be achieved through aggregation, statistical summary, or by scaling techniques, and validation methodology can be used to insure that fidelity is not compromised. Analyst tasks can be lessened through statistical experiment design and analysis tools. This effort will develop these three threads and apply them to problems in assessing the effectiveness of technology insertion and the impacts of doctrinal and operational changes of interest to the Army. Modeling and simulation has wide use for specifying, designing, and developing military command, control, and communication systems. Streamlined techniques for very large models will achieve significant operating and support cost reductions. Commercial applications with very large numbers of entities will also benefit.