Cyber Operational Architecture Training System Cyber for All
Abstract
Current methods for conducting cyber training are incompatible with the traditional, simulation-based training architectures used to conduct battlestaff training. As a result there is little to no interaction between the cyber domain and the traditional warfighting domains during exercises. This situation does not accurately reflect the current operational environment nor does it address the Secretary of Defenses (SECDEF) and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffs (CJCS) directives and guidance for incorporating realistic cyberspace conditions into major Department of Defense (DoD) exercises. The Cyber Operational Architecture Training System (COATS) is a U.S. DoD Modeling and Simulation Coordination Office (M and SCO) High-Level Task (HLT) that integrates existing cyber range environments, traditional simulation architectures, operational networks, and cyber emulations to safely and securely synchronize and deliver realistic cyber effects to the entire battlestaff cyber for all. In doing so COATS provides an integrated and contested training environment where operators plan, execute and experience realistic cyberspace operations and conditions in all domains. This paper describes the key components of the COATS architecture, including the application of network guards and the first draft of a cyber data exchange model, lessons learned from the demonstration and employment of COATS during three U.S. Forces Korea exercises, and recommendations for future cyber and traditional modeling and simulation capability research, development, test and evaluation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 30, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1001871
Entities
People
- David Wells
- Derek Bryan