5.4.1 The Use of Integrated Architectures to Support Agent Based Simulation: An Initial Investigation

TLDR

DoDAF architecture descriptions support acquisition of defense information systems, facilitate military‑worth analysis, and are increasingly recognized as essential for agent‑based simulation to assess C4ISR value. The study examines whether DoDAF architecture descriptions can supply the data required for agent‑based simulation and proposes a process to import that information. The authors conduct a case study using DoD architecture data in the SEAS combat model and outline a process for importing that data into agent‑based simulation. The study concludes that properly implemented DoDAF architecture descriptions supply the necessary information for agent‑based simulation.

Abstract

Abstract Architecture descriptions following the Department of Defense Architectural Framework (DoDAF) will be used to aid in the acquisition of all major defense information systems. One of the primary purposes of these architectures is to help conduct military‐worth analysis. Recent work in operations analysis of information driven combat is showing that agent based simulation technology is needed to understand the military value of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. This paper investigates the utility of architecture descriptions based on the DoDAF to provide the needed data for agent based simulation. This is accomplished by means of a case study where data from a DoD architecture is used in the combat model System Effectiveness Analysis Simulation (SEAS). The research concludes that the DoDAF, if implemented properly, does provide the needed information. A process for taking information from a DoDAF architecture and importing it into agent based simulation is proposed.