Defense Modeling and Simulation Office: Defining the Infrastructure

Abstract

The continuing technology revolution has yielded dramatic new opportunities for the Department of Defense (DoD) in the area of modeling and simulation (M&S). Advances in the information sciences, including communication networks and high performance computer technology provides DoD the opportunity to effectively develop and mange this technology to prepare our forces for any military contingency. Recognizing this opportunity, the Deputy Secretary of Defense established the Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO) on June 21, 1991 to: . Facilitate the application of M&S in education, training, and military operations; research and development; test and evaluation; analysis; and production and logistics disciplines. . Assist in development of consistent DoD Component M&S plans. . Establish a liaison process to coordinate and assist M&S efforts among DoD Components and the Defense industry. . Foster cooperation among DoD to maximize M&S interoperability, eliminate duplicate development where possible, and promote high return on investment of advanced technologies. In addition, DMSO coordinates the activities and implements the decisions of the Executive Council for Models and Simulations (EXCIMS), a senior level panel of DoD) Component representatives. In the process of creating a seamless, synthetic environment, an infrastructure is being designed and developed. The statements of need for ten infrastructure areas and the status of efforts to date in those areas are discussed.