Use of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) in Support of Joint Command and Control Experimentation: Naval Simulation System (NSS) Support to Fleet Battle Experiments

摘要

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has embraced the concept of Joint Experimentation to help identify future joint requirements and potential capabilities that may meet those requirements. Experimentation is viewed as a means to spur key DoD innovation, to help determine DoD priorities, and to transition potential 21st century technology and process improvements into the US military. Despite the high level of visibility that first generation Joint and Service-specific experimentation programs have attracted, surprisingly little attention has been paid to how to best leverage scientific design of experiments and M&S practices to maximize the information that can be learned from such experiments. The application of scientific methods to DoD experimentation programs is, in the view of the authors, required in order to obtain the full benefit possible from operational experimentation. This paper presents lessons learned from the application of the Naval Simulation System (NSS) and general design of experiment practices to US Navy Fleet Battle Experiments Alpha through Echo. NSS has been involved in many aspects of the Navy Experimentation process since its inception. These applications are described, and potential future applications of M&S to the Experiment process are recommended.