The Joint Theater Level Simulation (JTLS) is used to simulate joint, combined, and coalition civil-military operations at the operational level. Used for civil/military simulations and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) scenarios, JTLS is an interactive, computer-assisted simulation that models multi-sided air, ground, and naval resources with logistical Special Operation Forces (SOF) and intelligence support. The primary purpose of JTLS is to create a realistic environment in which agency staff can operate as they would within a real-world or operational situation.also information.A training audience conducts a scenario or event to practice their ability to coordinate various staff functions.
Overview Development of JTLS began in 1983 as a project funded by the U.S. Readiness Command, the U.S. Army War College, and the U.S. Army Concepts Analysis Agency. JTLS was created and continues to be developed and managed by ROLANDS & ASSOCIATES Corporation (R&A), based at Monterey, California. Until 1986, R&A worked under the direction of Jet Propulsion Laboratory. R&A has provided support to U.S. Joint Staff Directorate for Joint Force Development (J7) management of JTLS and has been actively improving the model since its inception. JTLS is currently used by all U.S. combatant commands, U.S. Services, the Naval Postgraduate School, NATO, and several non-U.S. defense agencies and commercial companies. Planners use JTLS for training support and for mission planning and rehearsals.Sloan, T.D. "Repetitive Use of the Joint Theater Level Simulation (JTLS) for Investigation of Headquarters Effectiveness. https://archive.org/stream/repetitiveuseofj00sloa#page/6/mode/2up. 1988.
The JTLS model is theater and doctrine independent and does not require knowledge of programming to use effectively. JTLS supports a terrain area of 2,000 by 2,000 nautical miles and also supports operations, such as strategic air and ships, outside this area. Users interact with the model through a graphical user interface that uses a web browser to interact with the simulation. JTLS may be operated on a single computer or networked computers at a single location or at multiple distributed sites. Model features include Lanchester attrition algorithms for adjudication of ground force interaction, detailed logistics modeling, and explicit air, ground, and naval unit movement, whether civil or military. The JTLS system is also designed to aid in scenario database preparation and verification, entering simulation directives, and obtaining situational information from graphical map displays, messages, and status reports.JTLS Executive Overview. ROLANDS & ASSOCIATES Corporation. http://www.rolands.com/jtls/j_vdds/executive_overview.pdf. 2012.
JTLS represents the operational level of civil-military strategies, but also employs significant tactical-level capabilities. JTLS can represent a maximum of ten independent Force Sides, each with individual Side relationships and rules of engagement. Each Side can be assigned unlimited Factions. The simulation supports links to most real-world command and control, communications, computer, and intelligence (C4I) systems. The model has been federated with other models through customized interfaces, including the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS) developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories.
JTLS and JCATS have been integrated within the Joint Multi-Resolution Model (JMRM) Federation as core models. JTLS provides high-level aggregate representation while JCATS provides entity-level representation. To support this federation, JTLS includes an Entity Level Simulation (ELS) component that provides entity templating of its aggregate units to further enhance its capabilities. Both models are High Level Architecture (HLA) compliant.
The U.S. Joint Staff Directorate for Joint Force Development (J7) manages the JTLS program. The J7 Configuration Control Board (CCB) controls the software development and enhancement process. JTLS improvements reflect customer, U.S., NATO, and commercial client upgrade requests. However, specific new modeling and system capabilities are the result of CCB decisions that consider the costs and benefits of each improvement. Approved requirements are prioritized and implemented. This variety of guidance provides a continuously moving baseline from which JTLS evolves much faster than similar projects.
JTLS Modules
Core Components
The JTLS system is composed of several modules, including applications and databases, which interact to simulate a real-world battlefield environment. The basic JTLS modules include:
Combat Events Program (CEP) and its support programs JTLS Object Distribution Authority (JODA) data server Web Enabled JTLS services: Apache data server, XML Message Service (XMS), Synchronized Application Preferences Service (SYNAPSE), Order Management Authority (OMA), and JTLS XML Serial Repository (JXSR) Web Hosted Interface Program (WHIP), a Web-enabled graphical user interface
The CEP is the adjudication module and central component of JTLS. This module determines all of the actions and interactions among the units that are described in the scenario database. These units may be entirely military, civilian, or a combination, depending on the particular scenario being developed. The CEP creates, maintains, and reports the current status of an executing scenario, whether it represents a combat, civil-military operations, or analysis environment.
A Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) socket connection establishes communication between the CEP and a JODA database server. The JODA receives an initial data download and periodic updates from the CEP, and also communicates with the WHIP and other client programs that are assigned to it.
User inputs to JTLS are in the form of orders entered into a WHIP and transmitted to the CEP for processing via the JTLS Object Distribution Authority (JODA). Users receive information from the CEP and the database server in the form of graphics updates, messages, and Information Management Tool (IMT) tabular data display updates.
Web Enabled JTLS
JTLS is the first distributed simulation to utilize Internet technology. Due to advances in data compression, support for distributed exercises is no longer constrained by costly dedicated communication lines. The ability to use any Web browser and Java® software relieves the user community of purchasing proprietary hardware and software to use JTLS. Worldwide exercises can be conducted from a single simulation center with sufficient Internet connectivity. Smaller exercises, distance learning, and training can be conducted at locations where minimal bandwidth is available. The use of Extensible Markup Language (XML) output files has enhanced the model's capability to link simulation output to real-world C4I devices.
There are many WHIP presentations of scenario data that JTLS users may view during their interaction with the simulation. The scenario map may be displayed alone at various zoom levels or, in this case, combined with multiple information displays.
The unique features of the Web Enabled JTLS (WEJ) architecture and workstation interface allow JTLS users to:
Use a local PC as a client workstation. Work with the Linux operating system on servers. Tailor individual user preferences for local workstations. Use context-sensitive order panels on Map overlays for situational awareness. Use an interactive unit hierarchy display to manage civil-military conflict and logistics.
The WEJ provides users the advantage of purchasing a PC-based CPU platform and using a Linux operating system, instead of more costly, proprietary CPUs and operating systems. Porting JTLS to Linux for the JTLS user workstations permitted the use of desktop and laptop PCs instead of Unix CPUs (servers are now supported by Linux). Other open source technology, including Web browsers, Java, the Apache Server®, and the OpenMap mapping tool, are extensively used to support the WEJ implementation. Although this technology is still evolving, the expanded capability that the WEJ brings to the USJS J7, NATO, and Partnership for Peace (PfP) consortiums will make conducting coalition and multinational training more feasible and cost-effective. The Training TransformationDoD Training Transformation Implementation Plan FY2006-FY2011. Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Director, Readiness and Training Policy and Programs. February 23, 2006 has provided the venue for the WEJ to play a critical role in worldwide joint training.
The Web Enabled JTLS Version 3.0, which JFCOM released to its user community in May 2005, significantly reduced the cost of shipping equipment and corresponding personnel requirements at forward locations. Simulation operators use Web browsers and Web-based connections to participate in JTLS events. The Web-enabled capability allows JTLS users to leverage existing wide area network (WAN) and local area network (LAN) connections to log on to the simulation from workstations or personal computers. The advantage of the Web-enabled capability is a significant cost reduction for joint exercises.
JTLS 3.0 was integrated with the Joint Deployment Logistics Model (JDLM) and the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS) through the HLA. By federating with simulations like JDLM and JCATS, the unique capabilities of other models have increased the fidelity of logistics and high-resolution capabilities, thus creating an improved environment for multiple training audiences.
During 2006, JTLS 3.0 was used to support the Bright Star 06, Vigilant Shield 06, and Terminal Fury 06 training events. USJFCOM accepted and implemented JTLS 4.0, released in December 2010.Colaizzi, J. “New simulation tool expected to reduce training and mission rehearsal support costs.” USJFCOM Public Affairs. June 22, 2005. JTLS will continue to evolve to support the joint trainer community.
System Support Programs
R&A provides a suite of software tools with each JTLS delivery to allow effective and efficient use of the simulation. The major support programs described in this section assist users to develop, maintain, and modify their scenario databases.
Database Development System
The Database Development System (DDS) is the primary JTLS database development and modification tool used to build a new database, modify an existing database, or query an existing database for filtered information. The DDS is an application of the Oracle Server®, a relational database management system.
The ASCII data files that define the initialization database for a selected scenario are uploaded to fill a set of Oracle tables designed to be compatible with the JTLS database structure. DDS users can access these tables to modify or query the data they contain. When modifications are complete, the data are downloaded to create a new set of JTLS initialization data files for that scenario.
The DDS has been recently re-implemented on an alternative open source platform that is deployed through the Oracle GlassFish® J2EE-compliant server. The GlassFish server supports a Web-enabled methodology for the DDS and is used as an interface to the database to serve Web pages and store developer changes from these pages. This system allows users to interact with the certified Oracle database server.
Scenario Initialization and Verification Programs
The Scenario Initialization Program (SIP) is a suite of tools used to prepare a scenario that has not been run previously for a JTLS game. The Scenario Verification Program (SVP) enforces the consistency of the scenario data files. The output from this program lists errors and possible inconsistencies that may be present in these data.
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