Evaluating Tactical Real-time Interaction in Multi-agent, Dynamic, Hazardous, High-stake Operations

Abstract

We pursued a broad research approach and adopted a combined theorist's and practitioner's perspective to discover novel and effective ways to model and analyze tactical response units and their missions. Experiences from our initial work on military and emergency response mission efficiency analysis made it possible to develop a set of methods and tools for modeling, analysis, and evaluation of tactical forces and their abilities at the lower organizational levels: Mission-critical skills of individual operators and teams, mission resource management, and overall unit performance. We performed case studies, field studies, and experiments using a combined control theory, Naturalistic Decision Making and Cognitive Systems Engineering framework. A composite approach was necessary to fulfill this endeavor. In this paper we outline our work on development of theories and models intended to sustain analysis, evaluation and assessment of military and emergency response units performing complex, high-stake tactical operations. We also tested these concepts in several simulated tactical operations, and finally, validated the concepts in a number of full-scale exercises.