The modelling of tactics and procedures using a component based system

The development of military tactics or procedures is a multi-stage, iterative process from their initial conception to their use by operational units. Once developed, tactics are modified in response to changes to the targets, sensors or weapons, or in response to operational constraints. Modelling is an important tool in this development process, being used quantify performance metrics, to extrapolate from existing conditions or to highlight areas for more detailed investigation in simulators, trials, etc. This paper describes a methodology for modelling tactics and procedures using a component-based system written in EXTEND/sup TM/ from Imagine That, Inc. This methodology allows the analyst or tactical developer to make changes to the tactics without the need to expose the underlying code. Tactics are built up from a library of generic components that are ordered and connected using graphical methods, and the components can be customised using dialogue-input parameters. These tactics are used to control the actions of units within a simulation that demonstrates the effectiveness of the tactics and provides the quantitative data for comparison.