Interoperable Information Interface to a Virtual Experimentation Environment

1. Interoperable Information Interface to a Virtual Experimentation Environment Devise a dynamic access method to allow C2 systems to operate in a virtual environment Provide a means for system developers to visualize their product performance in a virtual battlefield Doctrinal and operational aspects of a C2 system can be evaluated in a virtual operational environment prior to the time and expense of a field exercise. A better understanding of system and operator performance and the gaining of user feedback can be achieved in a virtual environment in the laboratory or in the users workplace. Improved understanding of system requirements and performance derived from operational visualization Improved overall system performance due to better understanding of operation in mission environment A quick, low cost method to integrate, test and evaluate C2 systems in a virtual mission environment Cost and time savings in product testing, evaluation and responding to user feedback Development of a message protocol interface that will allow integration of the subject C2 system(s) with the virtual environment in a timely manner Development of method that will present the result of a C2 system action (information exchange) in a virtual mission scenario Methods to quantify improvements in requirements and performance of both the C2 system and its operator Methods to visualize the virtual environment in the laboratory and in the users’ home environment Develop methods to integrate multiple C2 systems into the same virtual evaluation environment • An optimized method of integrating C2 systems through a common message protocol • A method to visualize the interaction and effects of battlefield operations resulting from C2 system interaction. • A method to present the virtual environment and the C2 system interaction in the laboratory and over the internet to users and observers at geographically diverse locations.

2. Interoperable Information Interface to a Virtual Experimentation Environment PM GCC2, PdMs Common Software funded JB Management in an effort to develop the Common Message Processor (CMP) to assist PEO C3T systems to prepare messages in a more timely manner. Army investment is $1,730K. As the result of other work by JB Management and the C2 Directorate, it became evident that the ability to place a PM or CERDEC developmental C2 systems into a virtual operational environment would provide a low cost, time saving means for the user, the PM and the laboratory to observe and evaluate these systems in a operational environment. This research will allow JB Management to provide a proof-of-concept to demonstrate the Army’s need for a long-term program to integrate C2 systems together, and in a virtual operational setting Estimated cost, $300K