Some Experiments with Agent-Based Combat Models

As the Department of Defense continues its reliance on combat models and simulations, these models and simulations must evolve their underlying technologies to incorporate more of the complexities involved in modern warfare. Agent modeling offers a promising technology for incorporating command and control and human behavior components into combat models; components long held as important to warfare but inadequately modeled to date. Two prototype models, the Strategic Effects Model and the Hierarchical Interactive Theater Model are described and used in separate experiments linking modern complexity theory with agent modeling within the context of military combat modeling. The resultant work breaks new ground in the use of agent models, and their output, for military analysis and insight into the nonlinear aspects of warfare modeling.