The Tabletop Exercise Platform: An AI-Enabled, Role-Based Simulator Software for Team Training Supporting Air Combat Command's Agile Combat Employment Initiative

The TABLETOP EXERCISE PLATFORM (“Platform”) is a cooperative, multi-participant, desktop computer or mobile software-as-a-service that empowers teams to conduct role-based, scenario driven exercises to improve collaboration, team-leadership, and crisis preparation. Using a custom simulation engine that powers software with millions of users, the adapted Platform includes: 1) a simulation with artificial intelligence (AI), 2) a user-friendly scenario creator tool, 3) a scenario library where user-generated scenarios can be shared and customized, and 4) a post- scenario evaluation system.  While suitable for many training activities, the adapted Platform will add features needed by Air Combat Command (ACC) to train and certify personnel on Agile Combat Employment (a doctrine where wings will operate independently of centralized C2 under contested and degraded conditions in conflicts with peer competitors).  The adaptation will allow wing A-staff personnel to create custom scenarios that replicate the expected operating environment, rehearse missions and experiment with options in advance of a conflict. The adaptation will provide ACC with (1) a training tool to prepare wing A-Staff to operate under ACE, (2) a method to certify / validate A-staff competency, (3) a tool to test ACE doctrine, and (4) a system to build, share and test training scenarios.   How it works: A-staff use their USG computers (or mobile devices) to log into the Platform. Each participant selects an A-staff role which has a unique interface with role-specific information, resources, and decisions. The participants select a scenario and receive a "road to war" brief that sets out conditions and desired outcomes.  The scenario begins with the participants receiving inputs; they then communicate with each other, evaluate resources and information, make decisions, and act. The Platform then advances the scenario with the actions/decisions of each participant impacting future options. The scenario continues until the end state is met and concludes with an out brief and evaluation. Under ACC’s adaptation, users will be able to create scenarios quickly to support just-in-time training using the scenario creator.  These scenarios will be sharable in the library with other personnel, meaning users can download, customize, and experience scenarios for their specific needs.   Scenarios can be replayed, with participants choosing different options and generating different outcomes.  Other features of the adaptation will include: (1) realistic adversary and allied resource and unit movement, force generation and mission schedules delivered via expert system artificial intelligence, (2) contested environment options (cyber effects that degrade C2; realistic fog of war), (3) computer user interface that mirrors existing C2 tools to establish a common operating picture, and (4) post-simulation evaluation tools with individualized and team-based reporting and certification.