Outcome-driven simulation: a competency-based training approach to achieving decision dominance

In modern network-centric warfare, information superiority is a source of tactical advantage. Information superiority can potentially translate into decision superiority if available data and information can be rapidly transformed into actionable knowledge. Decision superiority requires a thorough understanding of the C² decision making processes and the C² information systems that support them. It is with this understanding that we are developing DecisionEdge™, a competency-based training system that is intended to enable trainees to learn both C² decision making processes as well as C² information systems that support them. DecisionEdge allows the learner to experience progressively more difficult training scenarios through systematic manipulation of scenario variables such as event density, time stress, and information availability. This paper presents the system concept, technical architecture, and key design decisions and tradeoffs that were made in developing DecisionEdge. Potential commercial applications include training for crisis management, emergency response, disaster preparedness, and bioterror consequence management.