Re: Combat Model in Swarm

[Steve LaMotte]

Hi Rob,

I work for the Physical Science Laboratory, New Mexico State 
University.  I've worked on the CASTFOREM model off and on for the 
last 14 years.  From 1983 - 85 I was on the CASTFOREM team at 
TRAC-WSMR.  The bulk of my experience has been in assisting the Army 
Research Laboratory at WSMR in simply executing the CASTFOREM 
"canned" scenarios that come from TRAC, and also in developing and 
integrating higher resolution atmospheric models into CASTFOREM.  
The official version of CASTFOREM currently plays a non-changing, 
homogenous atmos environment.

We do have access to CASTFOREM code, but have signed an MOA with 
TRAC-WSMR and ARL to agree to hang on to the code and not release it. 
I talked today to the TRAC-WSMR people.  CASTFOREM code is not easy 
to acquire and the scenarios are even more difficult.  If you are 
from a govt house, it makes it a lot easier.  There is also a price 
tag on the code and scenarios.  In your case, it almost sounds like 
the source code may be all you need.  The POC at TRAC-WSMR is Doug 
Mackey (505)678-4715.  He is CASTFOREM's chief programmer.  It may be 
best for you to contact Doug and discuss how you can get access to 
the code or even if it's possible to just get your hands on the 
CASTFOREM Methodologies Guide.  

We are also working with Swarm here at PSL.  We are currently setting 
up a Swarm model of an Information Warfare system where agents are 
trying to break/hack into a computer network.  Your project is of 
personal interest to me and I would like to keep track of it if 
possible.  I would also like to help you with CASTFOREM in the future 
if this is possible.

Please contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Steve LaMotte
Branch Manager
Modeling and Simulation


> Organization:  US Army
> Reply-to:      address@hidden
> From:          Rob Kewley <address@hidden>
> To:            address@hidden
> Subject:       Combat Model in Swarm
> Date:          Mon, 30 Jun 1997 10:05:01 -0300

> To those interested in combat modelling in Swarm:
> 
>       My original message on the swarm-support list had an error in my web
> site address.  I corrected it here.  I am re-sending this message on
> this list for the benefit of those who subscribe to the list who may be
> interested or who may be able to help.
> 
> I am currently  working
> on a high resolution combat model designed to  simulate the battalion
> and below mounted battle.  I am not creating this model for the sake of
> the model alone.  My eventual goal is to parameterize the inputs to the
> simulation that describe a friendly course of action.  Then I will run
> the simulation alongside a genetic algorithm to optimize the outcome of
> the battle as a function of those course of action inputs.  I have
> already done this using a very simplistic model written in C.  See my
> web page at http://www.rpi.edu/~kewler/ for a more detailed description
> of this work.  I believe that this model will have an application as a
> tactical decision aid.
>         My current status is that I have a fairly simple model working
> in swarm.  It simulates the battle with one homogeneous  force against
> another.  It fights on a terrain data base depicting a 10km by 10km
> piece of terrain at the National Training Center.  It displays the
> terrain (I only use elevation data currently) and the friendly and enemy
> forces as they fight the battle.  The combat algorithms use a constant
> rate movement model, a simplistic target acquisition model based on the
> DYNTACS model (It considers line of sight as a regression model to fit
> field data.  Input variables are range, enemy height, enemy speed,
> terrian complexity, and probability of looking in the sector containing
> the enemy), a random target selection model, and a simple attrition
> model which bases probability of kill on a linear interpolation between
> 100% at zero range and 0% at max range.  
>         My strategy is to keep the model simple until I can build  the 
> graphics, genetic algorithm, and fuzzy fitness function into it.  Then I
> will build in  more complexity and realism.  My preliminary work had
> promising results.
>         My biggest problem is access to currently used combat models. 
> I  have
> material from the Naval Postgraduate School, the ELAN combat model from
> TRADOC Analysis Center - White Sands Missile Range, and the Military OR
> Analyst's Handbook from Military Operation Research Society.  I
> currently only have access to terrain data on the  US Geologic Survey
> web site.  If anyone has access to combat algorithms or processed
> terrain data bases designed for simulations, I would be interested.
> 
> 
>                   ==================================
>    Swarm-Modelling is for discussion of Simulation and Modelling techniques
>    esp. using Swarm.  For list administration needs (esp. [un]subscribing),
>    please send a message to <address@hidden> with "help" in the
>    body of the message.
>                   ==================================
> 
> 


                  ==================================
   Swarm-Modelling is for discussion of Simulation and Modelling techniques
   esp. using Swarm.  For list administration needs (esp. [un]subscribing),
   please send a message to <address@hidden> with "help" in the
   body of the message.
                  ==================================