Experimentation

Abstract

The Experimentation project funds experimentation campaigns to explore new concepts and their applications in potential future operating environments within a system-of-systems context. Concepts and enabling technologies such as, but not limited to, artificial intelligence, machine learning, directed energy weapons and multi-domain operations hold great promise, yet their transition to acquisition programs and fielded capabilities is typically hampered due to uncertainties regarding their military application and organizational implications. Implementing successful transition approaches for complex and widely applicable concepts requires a comprehensive and coordinated campaign of learning. Experimentation campaigns enable organizational learning through the methodical and systematic application of experimentation and supporting analysis. Experimentation campaigns are centered on an operational level warfighting concept to provide context for assessment, and use wargaming, simulation, and field experimentation to evolve, refine, and validate the warfighting concept leading to solid, evidentiary-based materiel and non-materiel capability development approaches with associated recommendations. Experimentation campaigns improve the effectiveness of operations by developing concepts and generating new information to address challenging threats of the future which aids the fielding of advanced technologies by providing the credible evidence decision makers need to make sound strategic decisions and investment choices. Experimentation campaigns are directed by the Air Force Capability Development Council, Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability, and SAF/AQ, to ensure funding supports the highest Air Force priorities. Experimentation is focused on rapid learning and then pivoting based on that learning. Therefore, specific plans are not detailed to prevent locking into an approach that will likely shift based on current experimentation efforts. Further details can be provided in the appropriate forum.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2020
Source ID
645350_0604858F_4_3600_PB_2020

Tags

Readers

  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
  • Directed Energy

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