Discrete-event control of combat dynamics in the C2 setting

Discrete event dynamic systems (DEDS) are characterized as being constituted of several interacting processes whose output behavior is described by events which occur randomly and asynchronously and, at discrete instants of time. A command and control (C²) system in the dynamic and uncertain environment of warfare is modeled as a hierarchical DEDS. It is shown how patterns of events constitute the words of a formal control language which is recognizable by the commander. As an example, the formal control language and an intelligent control strategy are developed for a lower echelon. Appropriate partitioning of the formal control language allows explicit modeling of integrated man-machine control strategies.