Merging Worlds: Complex Adaptive Systems Science Meets Systems Engineering-A Foundation for Complex Adaptive Agent-Based Modeling Architectures

Presented in this paper are details regarding a Complex Adaptive System-of-Systems, multi-purpose, agent-in-the-loop behavior modeling framework. A framework designed to facilitate usage of agents and automated tools in military training and research, that can either be rapidly developed or easily modified. This particular agent-based modeling effort was initiated because, to date, operator and opponent behavior models used in the current threat systems still require a significant amount of time, effort, and expertise to develop. The approach to such a versatile framework, was, and continues to be, inspired by theories of the emergent properties exhibited in complex adaptive system's behaviors, such as the syntax and semantics inherit in a succession of events, artifact-mediated indirect communication, and facilitation of shared meaning within a multi-stakeholder environment. Also of interest are agent-environment interactions and the affordances available to an agent; a theory derived from ecological psychology. This research both supports and is supported by multi-agent simulations of military operations where the agents represent logical realistic models of military operators. A method for rapid design and evaluation of agent-based models will be identified and further discussed via descriptions of two exemplar implementations in distinct large scale complex adaptive multi-stakeholder multi-component systems.