Using a wargame to explore the effects of the information content of messages on CVBG anti-air warfare defense

Abstract

This thesis is an example of using a man-in-the-loop wargame to analyze the effects of information content of messages on carrier battle group anti-air warfare (AAW) defense. This is accomplished by examining on three levels of information content of messages: Low, Medium, and High. The Research, Evaluation, and System Analysis (RESA) wargame is used to compare three carrier air defense scenarios. The forces attacking the carrier battle group in each scenario are scripted to allow uniformity of each scenario across players. By analyzing the number of hostile aircraft penetrating the carrier battle group defenses during a specific scenario with a given level of information resolution, a correlation between information resolution and carrier defense capabilities is evaluated. Using four warfare designated officers as AAW warfare commanders, results indicate that information resolution directly contributes to the defense capability of the carrier battle group