Advancements in simulations for active shooter & force-on-force engagements

Abstract

Recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai and tragedies such as the Virginia Tech massacre underscore the need to understand and train for active shooter and force-on-force engagements with adversary forces. Terrorist organizations are known to possess the intent and capability to attack highly secure critical facilities such as nuclear storage and power facilities as well as schools, stadiums, and other public gathering places. Advanced agent-based modeling and simulation have evolved to enable virtual investigation of such scenarios. This paper offers insight into the benefits and use of advanced science-based tools to investigate these scenarios in-depth. Virtual simulations provide cost-effective, valuable insight into scenarios that cannot be realistically played out in real-world exercises. Included are discussions on people movement, evacuations, gaming scenarios, and other applications using this advanced technology.