Operations for simulated mission events include all activities required in orchestrating test and mission events during simulation-based training for the Combat Air Force (CAF) in the Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) environment. In contrast to the quasi-static pre-event and post-event processes that can readily be harmonized, the event itself unfolds in a more fluid and dynamic manner that requires real-time participation of experts including event conductors or managers. An event manager must possess multiple technical and operational skills to successfully monitor and control network traffic flows between sites, at possibly different security domains, to ensure that standards for secure operations, situation awareness, coordination and communication, as well as customer expectations, are consistently met.

This paper presents the initial results of applying the Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) framework in this arena. Specifically, it focuses on the activities, decisions, strategies, co-operation, and competencies of event managers, to understand and represent why, what, where, when, how, and with whom activities can be performed. The results of these investigations which were created, verified, and refined using reference documentation, subject-matter-expert (SME) interviews, field observations of SMEs-in action, and table-top-analyses, are captured in checklists, standard operating procedures, and suggested training reference materials for use by event managers. The products derived from applying CWA are particularly useful because of their flexibility. They can be used by workers at different levels of proficiency, are adaptable to technological or architectural changes, and are scalable to accommodate increased numbers of events operating in parallel in cryptographically separate security domains.