Operational-level M&S receives little fanfare or attention; but the role of M&S driven operational exercises cannot be understated, particularly as Joint All-Domain C2 emerges from concept to fundamental doctrine and capabilities.

Simulating combat outcomes within a single domain, and then across domains via various methods of federation, has become a matter of math between available development resources and “good enough” fidelity to achieve training outcomes. To this extent, realism within M&S-driven operational exercises takes a back-seat to a “train-to-process” mindset that does not place a focus on a win-or-lose outcome. Layered between the operational sim and the training audience is a host of functional cells that interpret and craft the battlefield environment, and sets stages for the scenario to progress through. This has led to exercise planners fielding complaints that our exercises are not developing tactics and procedures that can be relied upon in wartime.

This paper provides examples to portray critical capability gaps in our ability to conduct all-domain exercises, and presents the challenges inherent in current operational simulations that may prevent us from fully realizing the ability of the operational HQs to train and win across all domains. There are several facets of this problem that this paper explores. Why is a level of realism needed at the operational level, and does this increased realism demand higher-fidelity simulations or higher-fidelity outputs and outcomes? What will joint all-domain doctrine demand? Can we continue process-oriented training or do we need greater realism and fidelity to create better instinctual application of Joint All-Domain C2? To conclude, this paper conceptualizes proposals for industry, policymakers and acquisition programs to grow operational M&S capabilities.