Scenario generation for planning and execution monitoring

This paper presents the results of research and development efforts aimed at producing integrated decision aids designed to support C3 observation, decision, and action processes. The major goal of these efforts has been to create and demonstrate a suite of integrated and interacting cooperative prototypes for Army Tactical Command and Control, based on object-oriented software development under an open system, modular architecture. The ongoing efforts have included detailed analysis of collaborative decision making and identification of C2 distributed decision making processes, guided by the C2 Reference Model. A foundation for and prototype of a 'Scenario Generator', or system by which tactical scenarios based on common information databases and map backgrounds may be developed, reviewed, modified, stored, and 'played', was produced, with a common, graphic and symbology-based user-computer interface. The paper describes the current features of the Scenario Generator prototype and its operating characteristics. Finally, suggestions and ideas for further research and development that would expand the utility of the Scenario Generator technology to other user communities are presented, as are examples of additional Scenario Generator applications.