Applying the agent-based modeling approach to evaluate future communication strategies in dispersed operations in a complex environment

Abstract

Future conflicts will increasingly take place in complex, urban environments. This calls for a change from operating in large formations and from static encampments to dispersed, networked, decentralized and small-scale operations. Concept development for dispersed operations and their accompanying strategies has only just begun. To aid in this early phase of concept development, this study presents (i) a framework for modeling the effects of communication strategies during dispersed land operations in a complex environment using the Agent-Based Modeling method, and (ii) a case study to illustrate the framework using the research question ‘What are the effects of communication strategies that make use of either a cloud or bundling on the shared Situational Awareness of units in dispersed operations in a complex environment?’, using a peace enforcement scenario in an urban area.