An assessment of combat modeling & simulation technologies. Discusses simulators which allow military forces to practice & train in situations which would be too costly or risky to practice with real weapons. Chapters include: preparing for the next war; recent developments; simulators; types of simulations; the evolution of distributed interactive simulation; SIMNET; fidelity, fog & friction; verification, validation, & accreditation; standards for DIS scalability & scaling; funding for DIS systems. Graphs, charts, & photos.

Explains what Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) -- the Department of Defence's new high-tech approach to developing 'virtual battlefields' via interacting computer simulations -- is, what it can do, who its players are, and how it is used.

Technology for an individual soldier simulation interacting with a separate combat model simulation was demonstrated in 1995. This memorandum reports how Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) Protocol Data Units (PDUs) were used to integrate the soldier simulator and the computer-generated opposition forces into a seamless virtual environment.

Explore the military and combat applications of modeling and simulation Engineering Principles of Combat Modeling and Distributed Simulation is the first book of its kind to address the three perspectives that simulation engineers must master for successful military and defense related modeling: the operational view (what needs to be modeled); the conceptual view (how to do combat modeling); and the technical view (how to conduct distributed simulation). Through methods from the fields of operations research, computer science, and engineering, readers are guided through the history, current training practices, and modern methodology related to combat modeling and distributed simulation systems. Comprised of contributions from leading international researchers and practitioners, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the engineering principles and state-of-the-art methods needed to address the many facets of combat modeling and distributed simulation and features the following four sections: Foundations introduces relevant topics and recommended practices, providing the needed basis for understanding the challenges associated with combat modeling and distributed simulation. Combat Modeling focuses on the challenges in human, social, cultural, and behavioral modeling such as the core processes of "move, shoot, look, and communicate" within a synthetic environment and also equips readers with the knowledge to fully understand the related concepts and limitations. Distributed Simulation introduces the main challenges of advanced distributed simulation, outlines the basics of validation and verification, and exhibits how these systems can support the operational environment of the warfighter. Advanced Topics highlights new and developing special topic areas, including mathematical applications fo combat modeling; combat modeling with high-level architecture and base object models; and virtual and interactive digital worlds. Featuring practical examples and applications relevant to industrial and government audiences, Engineering Principles of Combat Modeling and Distributed Simulation is an excellent resource for researchers and practitioners in the fields of operations research, military modeling, simulation, and computer science. Extensively classroom tested, the book is also ideal for courses on modeling and simulation; systems engineering; and combat modeling at the graduate level.

This report describes innovative approaches for conducting training using emerging simulation technology. It is intended as a forward looking reference for training developers and trainers interested in conducting specific types of training exercises within a Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) environment. The report presents five innovative training concepts that can be structured within a DIS environment for delivery of five types of training exercises including: (a) a Battle Staff Planning Exercise. (b) a Leader's Reconnaissance Exercise. (c) a Mission Rehearsal Exercise (Electronic Sandtable), (d) a Mission Execution Exercise (Electronic Sandbox) and (e) an Information Management Exercise. The report concludes with a description of the implementation and tryout of one of these five concepts, an Information Management Exercise (IMEX). Innovative training concepts, Information Management Exercises, Distributed interactive simulation, Simulation-Based training, Automated command, Control and communication, Training tools.