Redesign and Rehost of the BIG STICK Nuclear Wargame Simulation
Abstract
The strategic nuclear wargame BIG STICK is a two-sided, interactive, computer simulation used by the Air Command and Staff College to assist students in learning about real-world nuclear war planning. Currently, the simulation is played on the Honeywell H6000 mainframe. Shortcomings of the simulation are the user-hostile environment, a rigid input format, he unforgiving and inflexible user interface, and the fixed file system that makes data changes and program enhancements difficult. The purpose of this thesis effort was to redesign and rehost the BIG STICK simulation toe the Zenith Z-158 classroom microcomputers. Game sites, fixed and controlled force assets, expected value probabilities, and exercise constraints are now stored in a relational database designed using the entity-relationship (E-R) model. The user interface was redesigned using general user-friendly program principles and guidelines to provide a screen oriented environment for students to enter force selection, deployment, targeting, and employment inputs. Reports reflecting the results of student inputs were designed and developed as part of the interface using the PC INGRESS database management system. The actual game play portion of the simulation was designed using top-down, hierarchical decomposition. Implementation of the design into program code is not included in the scope of this thesis. Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA203046
Entities
People
- Ruth M. Kalili
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology