Computer Modelling of Human Populations in Support of Military and Civil Command and Control (C2) Exercises
Abstract
This paper discusses the design of a computer modelling framework for a UK military training and education requirement, lessons learned during its construction and implications for representing the complex and contested future operating environment. The "Influence and Infrastructure Combat Model" (IICM) is a computer simulation that models the flow of information and resources through a Human Terrain and the supporting critical national infrastructure networks (CNI). This project began as a study on methods of modelling the effects of Cyber activities on a local population and was extended to include wider military actions including Hybrid, Military Operations in Urban Areas (MOUT) and Informational Manoeuvre activities. IICM treats the population as an unstable equilibrium destabilised by external actors. Drawing upon group dynamics theory and epidemiological compartment modelling techniques, information is modelled as mimetic packets which are passed between software agents representing population groups, changing the level of support for different factions. These act as a quantifiable target for influence operations within an exercise. Drawing on our experience in military exercising, IICM is designed to operate as an independent model or federated with a kinetic warfare simulation. It presents effects as seen by the military decision maker, rather than the low-level analyst or system operator.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 11, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1150237
Entities
People
- David Robson