Intelligent simulation of the battlefield (ISB)

This paper discusses the development of a meta-expert system, the Intelligent Simulation of the Battlefield (ISB), for assisting military commanders with managing battlefield information and decision making. The three main components of the ISB are the Standard Army Training System-Training Exercise Development System (SATS-TREDS), the Janus combat simulation model and the Command Support System (ComSS). Integrating simulation with artificial intelligence, the three main components of the ISB merge to enhance the command and control process. ISB creates an environment to measure the effectiveness of battle commanders to focus and operate in a simulated, yet realistic, dynamic, information-driven, knowledge-assisted environment. The front-end training preparation component of the ISB structures the exercise based on mission requirements and tasks. Once the training scenario is specified through SATSTREDS, the ISB utilizes a command interface designed to build information templates for displaying information based on a commander's profile and the particular mission. The ISB system's network is configured to accommodate the flow of information generated by the Janus simulation program. With assistance by ISRA intelligent agents and associates, the information is then pushed to the ComSS decision support system. Due to the enormous flow of information, only certain, preselected data are queried and reported during the battle. Through the SATS-TREDS program, the remainder of the information is stored for later preference and review for feedback on future training needs. The ISB system promises to be a beneficial tool for classroom, training and operational environments as it conforms to the demanding requirements of realistic, dynamic and flexible simulation users.