JTRS executable architecture
Assessing the benefit of improved battlefield communication is a constant discussion within the DoD. Related to this discussion are questions of "what" and "how much" to procure in an environment of fiscal constraint. This paper describes a methodology that quantifies the benefit of battlefield communication technologies and utilizes the results in a warfighter cost/benefits study. To quantify the value of communication technologies, discrete event simulation is used to expand upon the static DoD Architecture Framework products developed for the Joint Staff Capabilities Integration & Development System process. The ARENA simulation package is employed to produce executable architecture of various military missions. Results quantify communication effectiveness into five warfighter metrics: Speed of Command, Situational Awareness, Footprint, Transformational Impact, and Interoperability. The metrics constitute the benefit portion of a portfolio analysis study to help decision makers determine which communication technologies should be developed and integrated onto military platforms.