Verification, validation and accreditation of military operational research models

Modelling and simulation are widely used tools in the international military operational research community. The Defence Science and Technology Organisation uses locally developed and overseas sourced models to assist the Department of Defence in making decisions of great financial and military consequence. Currently, a locally developed agent-oriented mission-level model is being used to assist in a multi-billion dollar military acquisition. Other powerful and complex models are being used to develop and improve aircraft tactics. The benefits and risks associated with the use of operational research modelling and simulation has led to the development of verification, validation and accreditation (VV&A) techniques to assure users of model credibility and reliability. This paper sets out to explain the meaning of these terms and describe some of the techniques. Techniques to determine the focus and amount of V&V required are also described in the context of model construction and model capability enhancement. Suggestions are also made for future operational research modelling and simulation VV&A activities.