Beyond Reactive Planning: Self Adaptive Software and Self Modeling Software in Predictive Deliberation Management

Abstract : The purpose of this paper is to examine an approach to planning which extends beyond the traditional reactive planning state space. We present the following hypothesis: predictive deliberation management using self-adapting and self-modeling software will be required to provide mission planning adjustments after the start of a mission. Self-adaptive software evaluates its own behavior and changes behavior when the evaluation indicates that it is not accomplishing what the software is intended to do, or when better functionality or performance is possible. Self-modeling systems construct their own abstractions as a basis of computational intelligence. In order to provide a proper process context for the evolution of software toward this level of autonomy, and in alignment with the proposed planning maturity models, we put forth a concept of a NCW C2 Software Maturity Model. This new C2 software maturity model will take software beyond the service-oriented paradigm into a new era of software designing its own replacements or modifications in order to satisfy new command and control requirements.