Closing the gap between simulation and combat computer systems

As simulations have evolved, interoperability between them has emerged as a fundamental technique for increasing their applicability and minimizing the cost of development and maintenance. From totally independent systems, through manual interfaces, automated interfaces, messaging standards, control standards, and architectural standards - the field has been transformed from a set of independent programs into a loose confederation working together to maximize each others contributions. The next step in this evolution is the inclusion of real-world combat computers in the simulation federations, particularly command and control computers. This paper will define the steps that must be taken to support this integration with a large number of simulation systems. It will explore interoperability projects that are taking place within the simulation and C41 system communities, describing architectures such as the simulation High Level Architecture, the Modular Reconfigurable C41 Interface, the Defense Information Infrastructure Common Operating Environment, and the Joint Military Command and Information System. Interoperability methods for the generic integration of systems built to a common architecture will be proposed and some argument given to its viability.