A fundamental truth of warfare is its attendant ambiguity. This ambiguity constrains our knowledge and understanding of the attitudes, events, activities, and information exchange mechanisms composing the operational environment (OE). We piece together our understanding as best we can but there are gaps. We aggravate the gaps by tending to focus our metrics on events and activities that are quantifiable. We know these metrics are incomplete but often let them shape our TTP. We also know there are sources of critical information that can help mitigate these gaps and allow a more complete view of the OE. One source most soldiers are ill-equipped to engage is the noncombatant population. A more complete and accurate perception of the battle space through training can only occur if these other information sources are captured in a cost-effective, repeatable, and reasonably accurate irregular warfare (IW) simulation.
The TRADOC G-2 Intelligence Support Activity has embraced this challenge, matched it to OE gaps in models and simulations (M&S), and developed a training federation to provide an immersive prototype trainer for soldiers, leaders, and commanders to conduct intelligence penetration with respect to Improvised Explosive Device (IED) networks. The federation is the Hybrid IW/IED Network-defeat Toolkit (HI2NT) and will be comprised of six major components: a first person cultural trainer (FPCT), a ground maneuver model (One Semi-Automated Force), a noncombatant effects model (Joint Non-kinetic Effects Model), a massively multiplayer online environment (MMO), an AAR model (Dismounted Infantry Virtual After Action Review System) and a data exchange gateway (the Simulation Object Runtime Database).
HI2NT creates a cohesive virtual and constructive environment wherein soldiers establish rapport, garner trust, derive, and share combat intelligence from the noncombatant population to reduce OE ambiguity and quickly see the results of their efforts. This capability provides a more complete and relevant training experience to soldiers and leaders in their preparation for operational deployment.