We are in the process of developing a Joint, progressive, multi-resolution course of action analysis (COAA) capability. This capability augments government off the shelf (GOTS) simulation tools by using a well-defined course of action (COA) data interface in keeping with the Department of Defense (DoD) vision for GOTS simulation tools. In addition, it makes use of common synthetic natural environment (SNE) representations and reasoning algorithms through a well-defined data interface, consistent with the DoD vision for a common SNE. The progressive COAA tool allows planners to quickly identify candidate high-level plans, and then focus time and computational power on detailed exploration of the viable alternatives. The progressive COAA tool is broadly applicable for training, rehearsal, and real world operations. The approach provides a mechanism for standards-based data exchange between the COAA tool and GOTS simulation. By exploiting multi-resolution modeling (MRM) capabilities of the GOTS simulation, we provide a deeper understanding of the data interface needs for COAA and other components that need to link to the COTS simulation. In addition, the project will contribute further understanding to the needs of common SNE for MRM-based COAA. This effort expands on our internal research and development (IRAD) project on variable model fidelity for progressive course of action analysis of the Joint battlespace. We leverage our experience with a data-centric simulation architecture, MRM, and common synthetic environments, and our ongoing efforts supporting DoD and adapting our COAA system to the Joint context.

An early version of this paper was presented at the 2006 Spring Simulation Interoperability Workshop. This paper has been expanded based on comments and ongoing work.