An agent-based approach towards network-enabled capabilities – I: Simulation validation and illustrative examples. (July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCourt, Richard; Ng, Kevin; Mitchell, Roy
• Is Part Of: Journal of defense modeling and simulation. Volume 10:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 313
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2013-07
• Subjects: agent-based model -- network-enabled capabilities/operations -- human factors -- military operations research -- model validation; Military art and science -- Computer simulation -- Periodicals; 355.0011305
• DOI: 10.1177/1548512912465359
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1548-5129

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to understanding network-enabled operations using agent-based simulations. We describe the newly created agent-based software ABSNEC (Agent-Based System for Network Enabled Capabilities), highlighting some of its salient features: the ability to represent human factors towards the analysis of battle outcomes in network operations, and the ability to represent realistic force structures with tiered C2 architectures. We provide affirmative results of three validation techniques to date on the model. Finally, we demonstrate the utilization of ABSNEC to acquire meaningful insights for analysis through two examples: a study on the interrelationship between fratricide, human factors, and situation awareness; and the generation of alternative combat strategies for a military engagement.