Scenario generation for simulation-enabled environments (particularly for events with integrated mission command systems and networks) is a time-intensive, complicated task involving many data sources and a variety of tools. Historically, the testing and training communities have created and maintained separate scenario generation and database population capabilities to meet their specific test requirements. The absence of collaborated solutions is commonly due to unproven assumptions that scenario requirements between the two communities are vastly dissimilar. The Army Operational Test Command (OTC) is committed to investing in and employing common testingtraining solutions to the maximum practical extent. Thus, the command conducted an analysis of scenario generation capabilities in 2016, to explore the potential for cross-community solutions. Additionally, OTC has launched a major test technology investment, the Integrated Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) Test Environment (ILTE) program, with a charter to establish and fund common test and training capabilities. OTC’s initial analysis focused on the testing of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) sensor platforms and information systems. OTC performed this analysis to inform a decision on replacing or updating its Intelligence Modeling and Simulation for Evaluation (IMASE) Scenario Generation Tool (ISGT). ISGT, developed and used by OTC since 2007, has become unsupportable based on cost and evolving data requirements. OTC sought a common, cross-community solution that could replace ISGT as well as address broader simulation-mission command environments. This paper describes the development of scenario generation requirements using ISGT as an initial basis, and then compares those requirements with scenario generation capabilities employed by the training community. These tools include the Exercise Design Tool (EDT), Web Military Scenario Development Environment (WebMSDE), Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Tactical Proficiency Trainer (IEWTPT), and Joint Training Data Services (JTDS). No single scenario generation tool (to include SGT) met all ISR test requirements. However, the analysis revealed that a combination of training community tools (with some tool augmentation) could support all necessary scenario generation processes for ISR testing as well as broader T&E and training applications. As a result, OTC has begun acquisition and implementation of those capabilities.
Testing and Training Convergence – Common Scenario Generation Requirements and Solutions
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