A Multi-agent System Approach for Blue Force Tracking C2 Application Modeling

Command and Control (C2) Systems play a crucial role in military networks and operations, yet their effectiveness faces challenges due to the inherent complexity of these operations. One way to enhance the performance of these systems is by simulating their real-life usage in the field before deployment. This paper addresses the issue of friendly fire situations, which often arise from poor coordination and communication failures. By employing Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) to represent the complex behaviors of military units within battlefield simulations and using a network emulator to assess communications, the research aims to mitigate potential instances of friendly fire in military simulations. This is achieved by leveraging Blue Force Tracking (BFT), a C2 application that tracks the movements of allied forces on the battlefield to prevent such incidents, and considering factors that influence information traffic network losses, including the geography of the mission zone and communication breakdowns. The findings obtained through this approach, along with the reports generated, provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of mission execution for decision-makers. This offers valuable insights for improving military doctrine, thereby enhancing the odds of mission success and reducing unintentional harm to friendly troops.