edVirtus Reference

What Are Modeling and Simulation?

Modeling and Simulation: Exploring Systems and Decisions Without Recreating Reality

A model is a purposeful representation of selected features of a system, process, or environment. A simulation implements a model through computation, physical equipment, games, or human participation so that behaviour can be explored over time or under specified conditions.

Defense modeling and simulation ranges from engineering models of components through engagement, mission, and campaign simulations. It supports design, training, experimentation, analysis, acquisition, testing, force planning, and investigation of situations that would be dangerous, costly, rare, or impossible to reproduce directly.

A simulation does not recreate reality in full. Its results follow from its scope, assumptions, input data, algorithms, resolution, and treatment of human and adversary behaviour. Verification checks whether it was implemented correctly; validation asks whether it represents its intended use sufficiently well; accreditation authorizes its use for a particular purpose.

Modeling and simulation are most valuable for comparison, explanation, rehearsal, and sensitivity analysis rather than prediction without qualification. Credible use reports uncertainty, tests important assumptions, compares results with evidence, and keeps decision-makers aware of what the model omits.