Representing the command and control process in simulation models of conflict

Command and Control is the process by which military personnel in war command their forces to take account of military aims and objectives. Across NATO, there is a growing realisation that the proper representation of Command and Control in models of conflict is very important. Since it essentially concerns itself with the representation of human decision-making, this is recognised as one of the most difficult areas for defence analysis. One approach to this problem is through the use of large rule-based expert systems. The work reported here lays out an alternative approach founded on the use of Bayesian inference and transitions between different mission ‘states’, leading to what we call the mission based approach to Command and Control. These ideas are already being incorporated into the next generation of simulation models currently under development which range across the land/air, maritime and peacekeeping areas of application.