INTEGRATION OF CONSTRUCTIVE SIMULATIONS TO LOGISTICS COMMAND AND CONTROL TRAINING DESIGN AND EXECUTION

Abstract

This research was conducted to examine the potential for constructive simulation to increase the efficiency at which logistics command and control (C2) training objectives are achieved. As a continuation of the "Integration of Simulated Logistics Information and Information Technology Tools in Support of Marine Corps Simulated Exercises" thesis by E. Conard in 2018, this research conducts practical application testing of Conard's conclusions. Five analyses were conducted on three Department of Defense simulations to determine the utility of individual or federated systems in logistics C2 training. The Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Tactical Warfare Simulation (MTWS), the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS), and the Joint Deployment Logistics Model (JDLM) were evaluated individually, and as federated systems with MTWS connected to JDLM and JCATS connected to JDLM. Gap analysis methodology was used to examine the Marine Corps Logistics Operations Group (MCLOG) logistics C2 training design, identify limitations, and determine where constructive training tools can be used to enhance training. The analyses resulted in the recommendation that MCLOG incorporate JDLM into the current training design via an HLA federation with MTWS. The recommended configuration accounts for ease of integration, the fidelity of logistics data generated by the simulations, and the capability of the configuration to support simultaneous training of logistics components across the MAGTF.