The U.S. Army has developed a simulation, called OneSAF for One Semi-Automated Force, which supports training, analyses, research, experimentation, mission planning, and rehearsal activities. OneSAF uses semiautomated forces that provide intelligent, doctrinally-correct behaviors representing the Army's modular force as well as other forces in the operational environment. The research determined the extent to which OneSAF could assist leaders at the company and platoon levels with tactical planning and rehearsal, and assessed the potential value of using OneSAF in training leaders on course of action (COA) development, analysis, and comparison.

Using OneSAF version 1.0, training sessions were conducted with 15 Army Majors and Captains who had combat and instructional experience. Each session included a demonstration of OneSAF capabilities, and hands-on training in building and modifying scenarios. A special guide for OneSAF was developed to support the training. Officers also completed a survey on their previous planning experience and on their reactions to the potential of OneSAF.

Results showed that OneSAF features used to develop a scenario supported offensive and defensive mission planning factors the officers identified as valuable in military operations. The officers believed that OneSAF could be a useful tool in institutional training for company-level officers in learning COA development, analysis, and comparison. Yet they also indicated that the time required to develop and execute COAs in OneSAF rendered it impractical for Infantry small-unit leaders in a time-constrained, often austere, tactical field environment. They suggested ways to make OneSAF tools and features more user-friendly to enable quicker development of scenarios for both training and operational purposes, while maintaining the simulation's depth, complexity, and flexibility.