The Corps Battle Simulation: remodeling the model for new missions

During the mid 1980's the U.S. Army established the Corps Battle Simulation (CBS) as a standard tool for training commanders and their staffs. The CBS's architecture is typical of constructive training built during that era. It primarily models high intensity conflict in traditional theaters of operation. The technologies used in its construction reflect the wars then considered likely, the limited capability of uniprocessor computers, and third-generation distributed software environments. Nevertheless, the Army needs training tools that support emerging missions such as Low Intensity Conflict, multi-factional scenarios, Operations Other Than War, and joint and combined training. This paper describes the techniques used to transform the Corps Battle Simulation. To meet the needs of the late 1990's the large-scale force-on-force modeling paradigms are being replaced with representations more appropriate to the emerging world environment. The primary technology used to accomplish this transformation is called "Resolution Detailing" wherein new, more detailed and flexible functionality is selectively inserted without disturbing the overall workings of the system. Resolution Detailing permits the Army to specify focused areas for upgrade without perturbing overall system operation.