Representing the C2 process in simulations: modelling the human decision-maker

Military command and control (C2) is the process by which commanders organise and employ force elements in order to achieve military objectives. This process needs to be represented in models of conflict in order to simulate realistic force behaviour and effectiveness. Since C2 is heavily influenced by human decision-making, modelling the C2 process is recognized as one of the most challenging areas for defence analysis. The paper describes on-going research into ways in which the effects of C2 can be incorporated successfully into constructive simulation models of combat. The research has developed a representation of C2 based on an intelligent agent framework in which the C2 processes of a military operation are carried out by a number of interacting command agents, representing the various military headquarters. An agent software architecture has been designed and implemented, along with algorithms for key C2 processes, namely: (1) data fusion and recognized picture compilation, (2) decision-making and planning at operational and tactical levels, (3) plan supervision and repair. These have been implemented within two software testbeds: MOSES, a simulation of Operations Other Than War (OOTW) and CLARION+, an extension of CLARION, the UK land-air combat simulation