Advanced Combat Timeline (ACT) for the Air Force Command Exercise System (ACES)
Abstract
Sponsored by the Air Force Wargaming Institute (AFWI), this research developed improvements to the Air Force Command Exercise System (ACES), a wargame model used extensively in the education of air campaign planning. The research addressed two major limitations of the model: (1) an inability to simulate time increments longer than 24 hours and (2) a minimal simulation of naval action. Alleviating these limitations, the Advanced Combat Timeline (ACT) for ACES should significantly enhance the model's ability to simulate the operational level of war. In pursuing these improvements, the research team clarified the model's educational objectives, analyzed its current data structure, and designed changes to effect the desired capabilities. A review of relevant literature provided criteria by which to evaluate the proposed changes. To ensure the efforts' effectiveness, the research team conducted its activities in close coordination with AFWI personnel. The resulting recommended changes to the ACES wargame model include: (1) a methodology by which players can translate general operational objectives into specific rules for force employment; (2) decision criteria such that the simulation results remain within reasonable, practicable bounds; and (3) a description of relevant naval weapon systems, their operational characteristics, and rules for their employment. AFWI programmers will use the research results as a blueprint to modify the model software. The resulting changes will enhance the ACES model's representation of the operational level of war and improve its utility in airpower education.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA327772
Entities
People
- Michael Mcneely
- Michael Webb
- Milan Celko
- Richard Dubois
- Scott Goehring
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College