Defense Modeling and Simulation Initiative

The Deputy Secretary of Defense has instituted a major new initiative to strengthen the application of modeling and simulation in the Department of Defense. This Defense Modeling and Simulation M and S Initiative pertains to the joint application of models and simulations, and hence is complementary to those efforts carried out within the Services. This paper describes an overall vision for the application of modeling and simulation throughout the Department of Defense and characterizes the role that the Defense M and S Initiative can play toward the realization of that vision. Recent and anticipated advances in the application of models and simulations have led to the belief that they can make a fundamental and widespread contribution to the development and employment of U.S. military forces. Examples of potential future capabilities include Simulated war fighting environments that allow frequent and realistic joint training spanning several echelons, involving large simulated forces, and bridging large geographic areas. Electronic sand tables that provide commanders engaged in warfare a realistic means to portray the disposition of friendly and enemy forces and to simulate the consequences of proposed courses of action. Simulation testbeds that allow new concepts to be explained and system requirements to be refined before bending metal and committing to expensive developments. Campaign analysis models that furnish senior defense officials with a tool for budget deliberations that relates individual system effectiveness to the predicted outcome of military campaigns.