A Knowledge-Based Tool for Planning of Military Operations: The Coalition Perspective
Larry Ground, Alexander Kott, Ray S Budd · 2002
Use of knowledge-based planning tools can help alleviate the challenges of planning a military operation in a coalition environment. We explore these challenges and potential contributions of knowledge-based tools using as an example the CADET system, a knowledge-based tool capable of producing automatically (or with human guidance) battle plans with realistic degree of detail and complexity. In ongoing experiments, it compared favorably with human planners. Interleaved planning, scheduling, routing, attrition and consumption processes comprise the computational approach of this tool. From the coalition operations perspective, such tools offer an important aid in rapid synchronization of assets and actions of heterogeneous assets belonging to multiple organizations, potentially with distinct doctrine and rules of engagement. In this paper, we discuss the functionality of the tool, provide a brief overview of the technical approach and experimental results, and outline the potential value of such tools for coalition operations. 1. Overview Influential voices in the US military community (Wass de Czege and Biever, 2001) argue for significant computerization of the military planning process and for "...fast new planning processes that establish a new division of labor between man and machine. Staffs will rely heavily upon software to complete the straightforward calculations. Decision aids will quickly offer suggestions and test alternative courses of actions." Although the reasons for introducing such a computerization in the military planning processes are compelling enough even in the context of a single-nation military, many of the same reasons become even more pronounced in a coalition environment: . The process of planning a military operation remains relatively...