Simulation: Simulation and CDG | ADM June 2012

Simulation and modelling are vital enablers for Capability Development Group (CDG), which draws on the resources of the Joint Decision Support and Simulation Centre (JDSC), the Rapid Prototyping Development and Evaluation program (RPDE), and the Defence Science and Technology organisation (DSTO) for activities ranging from Future Soldier experimentation to preparation of the Defence Capability Plan (DCP).

Industry is also involved, albeit generally at lower levels of classification and via tasking from RPDE. Increasingly sophisticated techniques, coupled with the savings deriving from simulated rather than live activities with physical assets continue to boost the importance of the simulation function within CDG.

As Defence considers the future of the Defence Simulation Program as part of the post budget DCP deliberations, the interplay and extent of the simulation requirements for CDG and other groups in a challenging budget environment will require careful consideration. The bulk of modelling and simulation required by CDG to progress complex issues such as force structure and strategic management of the DCP is undertaken by the JDS C. It also carries out environmental simulation.

Established at Fairbairn in mid-2009 as a joint initiative sponsored by CDG and DSTO, the JDS C’s denizens are officially described as utilising a range of analytical and simulation tools and experimentation techniques to provide Canberra-based strategy and capability decision-makers with scientific assessment of new strategic and operational doctrines.

Problems identified within projects by CDG division and branch heads tend to be passed to RPDE, says Dr Mike Brennan, Director General Simulation.

“They come up with a framework solution and in that context there are often modelling and simulation elements as part of the solution framework or the solution itself.”

According to RPDE’s May 2012 outcomes report, some 41 per cent of requests emanate from CDG, the program’s sponsor and principal funder. Many of these involve so-called Quicklooks utilising simulation to inform pre-First Pass documentation. It was a report by RPDE just a year after its own creation in 2005 that was instrumental in the establishment of the JDS C, with which it now cooperates closely.

“The modelling skill base generally continues to reside with the RPDE panel members rather than being transferred to CDG as an ongoing capability,” Dr Brennan states. “Simulation solutions for Quicklooks are most often built to purpose rather than seeking an enduring simulation. It’s slightly different in JDS C where there’s a degree of experimentation and exploration.

“JDS C has a modest modelling and simulation capability which it employs based on the subject matter expertise within the centre – supported by the wider DST O. Within CDG, some tasks may be assessed as betteraddressed by JDS C; others may be defencesensitive and not ready to be addressed by an industry-based organisation like RPDE.”

In CDG’s collaboration with DSTO, DSTO will commonly define, develop and retain the models, whether for a task such as an electronic warfare engagement simulation, or for constructive wargaming. Simulation and wargaming tools within JDS C, RPDE and DSTO vary according to needs and requirements.

Defence has several models of network systems of varying fidelity to provide emulations of deployed information and communications technology, Dr Brennan explained to ADM. Other specific high fidelity models simulate aspects of antiarmour and other weapons, and domains such as EW.

Constructive wargaming is facilitated by the commercially developed simulation applications such as the One-SAF (Semi- Automated Forces) system, a computergenerated forces simulation that can represent a range of operations, systems and control processes.

Users can configure force systems precisely as needed to support simulation requirements. Earlier versions of the system have been in use with the US army since 2003, and extending the use of the system beyond simulation agencies to broader use in the Australian Army is scheduled for 2014. Other “SAFs”, such as JSAF – the Joint Semi Automated Forces system developed by the US Joint Forces Command – are also used to provide constructive elements to very large simulation events, including the joint Australian-US Talisman Sabre series of exercises. Generally simulations purchased from the US, UK and elsewhere are typically adapted by DST O or the service groups to provide Australian-specific entity and environmental representations.

Where simulation programs are affected by US International Traffic in Arms Regulations or other security constraints, the relevant restrictions are either accepted, or DSTO may be tasked with writing Australian models of the key aspects that are not released.

A mix of these two options is understood to be prevalent in the ICT and EW areas of air and maritime simulation. Interestingly, as Australian software companies and games developers generate Defence specific simulation products, export regulations need to be considered by companies without a long history of working with Defence.

Projects within CDG that are currently benefitting from extensive simulation include the long-running Land 400 (Land Combat Vehicle System), Future Submarine and, at a boots and braces level, Land 125 (Soldier Combat System). This has involved detailed practical work including the behaviour of the spine under various loads, and the impact of head-mounted nodes.

CDG’s simulation and modelling requirements, although growing in number and complexity, are currently not a stretch for Defence resources.

“At present, basically you need to build a simulation environment from square one. This is a relatively expensive thing to do in terms of time,” comments Dr Brennan. “Each time we build a simulation we have to go through the process of testing its validity. It would be much better if we can assemble a system that can verify and store, and pull it out and adapt it for another problem.”

He sees the current state of Defence simulation as a number of purpose-built systems which address sub-sets of the simulation requirement.

“What is now in the offing from the technological point of view is a possibility to broaden that across the enterprise with a common database which supports simulation reuse, and that’s something we’ve been striving for a decade or so.”