Reasoning, Planning, and Goal Seeking

Abstract

Technology Solutions Experts, Inc. (TSE) is the primary developer of the Infantry Warrior Simulation (IWARS) system for the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC). As part of continuing Research and Development (R&D) in Small Unit (SU) combat operation simulation behaviors, TSE is developing algorithms for automation of SU and Soldier agent tasks and missions in constructive simulation and for transition to Soldier operational decision-support tools. TSE’s solution is the Reasoning, Planning, and Goal-Seeking (RPGS) architecture, which is targeted at the next generation of constructive simulations requiring autonomous and intelligent Soldier agents that are capable of problem solving; considering multiple courses of action; coordinating with friendly forces; following chain of command; and using Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to guide operations. Intelligent Soldier agents guided by RPGS methodologies and algorithms will be able to execute complex tasks given only mission goals, initial/boundary conditions, and constraints. As part of this R&D project, TSE is creating a formal model of the Soldier and SU battlespace on which reasoning can be conducted. TSE has identified two technical standards for battlespace knowledge systems that will provide a foundational model for this project: the Joint Consultation, Command, and Control Information Exchange Data Model (JC3IEDM) and the Coalition Battle Management Language (C-BML). TSE is using JC3IEDM as the basis for representing information about battlefield entities. C-BML uses the knowledge elements in JC3IEDM and consists of a formal language for specifying orders and reports by specifying the “who, what, when, where, and why” of a mission order. TSE is using C-BML to describe mission goals and constraints that the analyst gives to Soldier agents, which will be used as input to the RPGS behavior engine to generate agent behavior. This paper discusses the use of these standards for a battlespace representation, the new technologies and capabilities being developed as part of this project, and the contribution to human decision making and behavior representation for military and commercial constructive simulations.