DoD MS Human Capital Strategy 20101202 - Modeling & Simulation ...

Challenge 1 - Technical and Complex Nature of M&S
The development and use of M&S tools and applications is technical in nature and in many
cases can be a highly complex undertaking. This requires knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs)
that cross multiple disciplines to include computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics
and others.
Impact to DoD M&S Workforce: M&S professionals will provide DoD a workforce of
technically proficient personnel who can leverage advances in computer simulation/simulator
and associated computer/networking technologies to ensure maximum benefit is provided to
the Services, and the six DoD M&S communities. These highly trained and technically
proficient M&S workforce members will provide valuable M&S-related technical guidance and
capability assessments at all levels of DoD. Core technical competencies of these M&S
workforce members will include an understanding of engineering and scientific principles in
relation to M&S; an ability to identify and articulate critical technology needs/requirements and
formulate programs to advance state-of-the-art M&S capabilities and an ability to objectively
monitor and evaluate emerging technologies that may enhance current and future M&S
capabilities.
Challenge 2 - Advances in Technology
Advances in technology (hardware, software, communications, visual systems, etc.) have
improved our warfighting capabilities, and have influenced every facet of the DoD. By rapidly
and effectively incorporating cutting-edge technology innovations, M&S has demonstrated its
usefulness to commanders and organizations. Computer hardware and software capabilities
that impact M&S performance have increased at a challenging rate. As a result, technology that
is useful and effective at one point in time may become outdated within three to five years and
in some cases in as little as a year.
Impact to DoD M&S Workforce: A trained and well managed DoD M&S workforce will
provide commanders and organizations the ability to understand the rate of technology
obsolescence and adjust accordingly. To accomplish this, M&S professionals will use efficient
and cost-effective approaches to integrate technology into the workplace, improve program
effectiveness and proactively manage life cycle aspects of the technology, to include recognizing
when upgrades or wholesale replacement should occur, in the face of ongoing advances in
technology.
Challenge 3 - Need for Digital Systems to Interoperate
Despite having a common technological underpinning, digital systems currently in use within
the Services and DoD were designed and developed by one of a multitude of government
contractors to address a unique requirement, and in many cases, were developed to work in a
stand-alone fashion. There is a growing need throughout DoD to ensure digital systems of
varying complexity interoperate, to include ensuring interoperability within and between
system-of-systems or family-of-systems. The goal being to create a seamless environment that
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