Extending Capabilities of the Military Scenario Definition Language (MSDL) for Nontraditional Warfare Scenarios

Abstract

The Military Scenario Definition Language (MSDL) version 1.0 was recently approved as a new international standard by the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO). MSDL is intended to be used as a common data representation for storing scenario information for use in initializing a variety of simulation systems. In today’s Joint Operational Environment, the Military component is only one of six complex dimensions that need to be simulated, the others being Political, Economic, Social, Infrastructure, and Information (making up the common PMESII acronym). Stability Operations have been elevated to have equal weight with combat operations, creating new emphasis on the other five dimensions in training and analysis simulations. Under the mandate for the military to support Stability, Security, Transition, and Reconstruction (SSTR) Operations, military decision makers are focusing on new areas of concern, including the fundamental mission of restoration of essential services. In order for MSDL to maintain its relevance, an enabling framework must be incorporated. The first step is to provide schema designs for essential services and how entities relate to each other from the social aspect. This paper provides a design that can be easily adapted to military supplies, relief supplies, and other similar concerns. In addition, a basic building block for description of social relations is proposed that represents one such theory.