An agent architecture for implementing command and control in military simulations

In models of military operations, it is important to include the command and control (C2) process in order to achieve a realistic simulation of a military force\´s behaviour and effectiveness. Inspired by ideas from complexity theory, we have developed a representation of C2 based on a decentralised system of interacting intelligent "command agents". In this paper, we describe the architecture of our command agents and how this captures the key C2 processes that exist in military headquarters, particularly the G2 (intelligence and security) and G3 (operations, plans and training) processes of recognised picture compilation, decision making and planning. We describe a reusable software framework that we have developed, within which we implement the command agents. The architecture and its software implementation enable us to produce command agents that can simulate C2 at any level in the military command hierarchy and in operations across the warfare spectrum - from high-intensity combat to operations other than war (OOTW)