ABSTRACT
Simulation has deep roots in the study of warfare. In order to be of any significance, modern military simulations must provide high-fidelity representations with flexible plug-and-play modules which will allow the creation and execution of battlefield simulations on very short notice. Distributed systems offer the potential to implement very high-fidelity combat models. The same computing power and speed that promises to increase the problem domain bounds that can be represented also threaten to overwhelm a user with details. Battlefield simulation of the 1990s is far removed from the map table scenarios used to train the victorious leaders of the Second World War. The separation and encapsulation of the various issues involved through well-documented interfaces and well-designed abstractions, and the application of the object-oriented design principles at every step, is essential to building an easily reused simulation infrastructure. Simulation is playing a crucial role in designing the Army of the next century.
