Task Degradation in Agent-Based Simulation

During operations for the response and recovery to events, such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters, issues related to human resource and equipment allocation can have a large impact on the effectiveness of operations. Modeling and simulation (M&S) solutions are increasingly being used by Department of Defense (DoD) community to aid with decision challenges regarding personnel and equipment interaction in operational environment. Simulation tools provide cost effective and the operational functionality scenarios for the investigation of multiple scenarios with varied environmental, materiel, strategic, personnel and task factors that impact task performance and overall mission effectives. A set of potentially useful scenarios are suggested to help study these factors and resource allocation decisions, (e.g., determining the type and number of first responders and their required equipment-necessary for response to hypothetical attacks). M&S tools are suggested for use in providing the means necessary to study the impact of these factors and decisions on emergency response, preparedness, and recovery operations. This research suggests the exploration of M&S for use in studying Course of Actions (COAs) with a focus on creating optimal policies that can-be put in place to improve emergency response, and disaster recovery performance in complex environments.