Crowd Behavior Algorithm Development for COMBAT XXI

TRAC-M-TR-17-027Our research is to develop a proof-of-concept constructive crowd behavior model using an agent-based simulation to represent various actions and reactions of crowds of non-combatants to military operations in an urban area. We show how to link this model with COMBATXXI at the application programming interface (API) level so that the model can be run in tight conjunction with COMBATXXI. TRAC and other anaytic organizations can use this type of crowd model to analyze many interesting questions. For instance, while conducting operational effectiveness analysis, this type of model can provide insights to questions of what effects large groups of civilians have on the effectiveness of weapons, equipment, and vehicles, or how our tactics, weapons, and operations effect the local civilian populace. This model begins to provide some quantification of the long term risk to operations that different interactions with large groupings of civilians on the battlefield bring, which in turn, inherently, reflects on the effectiveness of our doctrine, organizations, and materiel.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited