Observations on new developments in composability and multi-resolution modeling

MRM (MRM) and Composability are two of the most challenging topics in M&S. They are also related. In this paper, which was written to set the stage for conference discussion of related papers, we discuss how addressing the MRM challenge is sometimes a necessary - although not sufficient - step towards solving the composability challenge. This paper summarizes recent developments in theory drawing distinctions among issues of syntax, semantics, pragmatics, assumptions, and validity. The paper then discusses how technology for ontology development may be useful in improving both composability and MRM. Two examples illustrate how some of the issues arise. One involves a large analytic war gaming system from the past; the other involves current counter-terrorism modeling in which many of the complications are due to the social- science nature of the problem area.