a. Summary. Modeling and simulation officers manage the acquisition and operation of training, analysis, or acquisition- based simulations in the Marine Corps. Their duties encompass understanding how tactical simulations operate, including both their internal and human-computer interface characteristics. They must be able to modify parametric data, and make reports and observations from the results of running a simulation. They must have a full understanding of after-action review systems. They should be capable of building and designing a simulation with a complete understanding of virtual worlds, graphics, terrain databases, algorithms, artificial intelligence techniques, and statistical analysis. They must have an understanding of the theory of and different approaches to modeling and simulation. They must be able to deal on a daily basis with very detailed, technical aspects of computer simulation development as well as conceptual issues governing the development of an analytically sound model.

b. Requirements/Prerequisites

(1) Complete the Modeling, Virtual Environment, and Simulation (MOVES) curriculum at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, or equivalent postgraduate degree from an accredited university.

(2) The following are mandatory minimum course requirements to be completed by those Marines not graduated from Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA: Human Behavior Modeling, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics, Data Analysis, Stochastic Modeling, Human Performance Evaluation, Object-Oriented Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Communications and Networks, Virtual World Simulation Systems, and Agent-Based Simulation.

c. Duties

(1) Apply and evaluate modeling and simulation tools in joint and maritime strategic planning. This applies to development and execution of military Strategy, "what if" analytical evaluation of proposed tactics and strategy, analysis of alternative courses of action, and the effects of technical developments on warfare, formulation of U.S. policy, roles of military forces, joint planning, and current issues in defense reorganization.

(2) Employ modeling and simulation in distributed simulation networks, apply empirical and analytical methods for determining the efficiency and performance of computer systems, modeling of processes, understand design issues of hardware/software compatibility, operating Systems compatibility, information systems requirements, and their interoperability via networks.

(3) Conduct designs of experiments, including selection of the most appropriate models for specific requirements. In so doing, apply probability, statistics, and exploratory data analysis as appropriate, to formulate and execute analyses involving uncertainty, including analyses of military operations. Must be able to analyze a variety of DoD datasets to answer specific operational questions utilizing modeling, virtual environment, and simulation systems.

(4) Evaluates and recommends appropriate design of human-computer interfaces and autonomous agent technologies.

(5) Support of military training and exercises using distributed interactive simulation and networked environments.

d. Related DOT Classification/DOT Code. No civilian equivalent.

Information Derived From MCO P1200.7V Part 1. Current as of Nov 00