Applied Use of Socio-Cultural Behavior Modeling and Simulation: An Emerging Challenge for C2

摘要

Command and Control (C2), especially in the uncertain environments associated with counterinsurgency, stability operations, and irregular warfare actions, require a knowledge and shared understanding of not only an elusive adversary, but the socio-cultural layer in which the adversary lives and enjoys a support structure. C2 in these situations must accommodate complexities and situations far different from classic force on force engagements. In this environment, C2 must take advantage of modeling tools that can elucidate the complex aspects of the environment and human interaction. To do this, users must be able to translate available data into the parameters and values of the models, generate and test hypotheses, and apply the model outputs in the command decision space. Ideally, commanders should have capabilities that support integrated planning, action, and assessment, such that they can select and rank order available actions based on their effectiveness across a landscape of plausible situations and outcomes. Moreover, these capabilities must be available not only for traditional military actions but also for non- kinetic actions and influence operations. There are many challenges associated with this vision of the applied use of models for C2. This paper will outline those challenges and discuss how they can be addressed. It will also outline the Human Social Culture Behavior (HSCB) Modeling Program of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, which exists to support the rapid transition of socio- cultural behavior computational models to acquisition programs of record.