Keywords: BEST PRACTICES;EXERCISE;FRAMEWORK;INTEGRATION;LVC

Abstract:

Integration and execution of large distributed Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) events consume substantial time and resources. While the underlying distributed LVC technologies are mature, the processes for integrating events are not. The Distributed Simulation Engineering and Execution Process (DSEEP) standard (IEEE Std 1730-2010) describes a process model for developing an event. DSEEP defines a set of seven steps divided into activities and provides representative inputs and outputs for each activity. However, the user must still instantiate the process and develop artifact templates, which is a substantial effort.

An instantiation of DSEEP was developed based on the authors' experience integrating and executing many distributed LVC events. This implementation has nine steps, divided into 27 activities. The process adds two additional steps to DSEEP. One introduces tabletop wargaming to refine event requirements. The second develops a digital twin of the target system to improve integration accuracy. The process provides detailed guidance, templates, and procedures to integrate simulations and tactical systems, ensuring the LVC environment meets event objectives.

A key focus of the process is Step 7: Integrate & Validate the Event Environment, which ensures a fully operational and trusted LVC environment before execution. The tutorial emphasizes validation techniques, iterative testing, and risk mitigation strategies to address challenges in system interoperability, data integrity, and cyber resilience. The process also accounts for multi-architecture integration, live system interactions, and cybersecurity considerations, which are increasingly critical in modern distributed events.

The goal of a structured Distributed LVC Integration and Execution Process is to produce a verified and validated environment that reduces execution and analysis risks. Without a structured process, integration failures may delay execution, and unverified environments can generate inaccurate results that compromise decision-making.

This tutorial provides an overview of the complete process, with a detailed walkthrough of selected steps, particularly Step 7. Attendees will gain insights into inputs, tasks, outputs, and real-world examples applicable to distributed LVC environments using multiple architectures, live entities, and cyber operations.

Originally developed to support distributed Test & Evaluation, this process is also applicable to training, research & development, and experimentation. The tutorial is valuable for anyone involved in planning and executing large distributed events, particularly engineers, technical leads, and event managers. No prior knowledge of the DSEEP standard is required.

Ed Lerz

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A Process for Distributed LVC Integration and Execution