Modeling and Simulation Coordination Office

The Department of Defense (DoD) Modeling and Simulation Coordination Office (M&SCO) is the focal point for coordinating all matters regarding modeling and simulation across the DoD for the Undersecretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) (USD(AT&L)). Modeling and simulation (M&S) is an enabler of warfighting capabilities. It helps to save lives, to save taxpayer dollars, and to improve operational readiness. M&SCO assists the DoD to use M&S in a cost-effective manner through tools, policies, standards, guidance, and collaborative forums.

Training simulations typically come in one of three categories:

• “live” simulation (where actual players use genuine systems in a real environment);
• “virtual” simulation (where actual players use simulated systems in a synthetic environment), or
• “constructive” simulation (where simulated players use simulated systems in a synthetic environment). Constructive simulation is often referred to as “wargaming” since it bears some resemblance to table-top war games in which players command armies of soldiers and equipment that move around a board.