Modeling conventional land combat in a multi-agent system using generalization of the different combat entities and combat operations

Abstract

There are inherent similarities between combat entities and between combat operations. In combat entities there exist common characteristics such as the ability to move, shoot, communicate and more. The level at which each entity is able to operate for these characteristics differentiates it from the others. For combat operations, a common characteristic is that all operations have a starting point, an objective point and an endpoint. The different operations take on unique properties based on where these points are located and what entities do at these points. The generalization of the similarities in combat entities and combat operations can provide a framework that can assist developers and users to model the majority of combat situations with a single simulation. This thesis uses three different Multi-Agent System (MAS) combat models to demonstrate the generalization framework. Of the three models used, two existed previously and one was developed by the authors. Map Aware Non-uniform Automata (MANA) developed for the New Zealand Army and Defence Force and Archimedes developed by Least Squares Software LLC are the two existing models used. The model that was developed is based on the redesign of GIAgent developed by Captain Joel Pawloski, USA as a thesis at the Naval Postgraduate School.