CS 785, Fall 2001
(Part 2 of 2)
Gheorghe Tecuci
tecuci@gmu.edu
http://lalab.gmu.edu/
Learning Agents Laboratory
Department of Computer Science
George Mason University
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Critiquing through task reduction
Critiquing as an expertise task
The Course of Action critiquing challenge problem
The Course of Action critiquing agent
Modeling the critiquing process
Demonstration of the Disciple-COA agent
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Critiquing as an expertise task
Critiquing means expressing judgments about
something according to certain standards.
Example:
Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a
military course of action with respect to the
principles of war and the tenets of army
operations.
For instance, assess a particular course of action
with respect to the Principle of Surprise.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Course of Action critiquing: HPKB challenge problem
Identifies strengths and weaknesses in a military
course of action based on the principles of war and
tenets of army operations.
Supports ground combat planning by the
commander and staff:
- identifies key combat tasks assigned to units;
- analyzes ability of units to accomplish their tasks;
- evaluates contributions of these tasks to
the accomplishment of the mission.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
The Course of Action critiquing agent
Source: Challenge problem for the DARPA’s High Performance
Knowledge Base (HPKB) program (FY97-99).
Background: A military course of action (COA) is a preliminary
outline of a plan for how a military unit might attempt to accomplish a
mission. After receiving orders to plan for a mission, a commander and
staff analyze the mission, conceive and evaluate potential COAs, select
a COA, and prepare a detailed plans to accomplish the mission based
on the selected COA. The general practice is for the staff to generate
several COAs for a mission, and then to make a comparison of those
COAs based on many factors including the situation, the commander’s
guidance, the principles of war, and the tenets of army operations. The
commander makes the final decision on which COA will be used to
generate his or her plan based on the recommendations of the staff and
his or her own experience with the same factors considered by the staff.
Agent task: Identify strengths and weaknesses in a COA, based on
the principles of war and the tenets of army operations.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
COA411 – the sketch
Graphical depiction of a preliminary plan. It includes enough of the high
level structure and maneuver aspects of the plan to show how the actions
of each unit fit together to accomplish the overall purpose.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
COA411 – the statement
Mission:
BLUE-BRIGADE2 attacks (BLUE-BRIGADE-OP) to penetrate (BLUE-BRIGADE-TASK) RED-MECH-REGIMENT2 at
130600 Aug in order to enable (ENABLE-MILITARY-PURPOSE1) the completion of seize (SEIZE2) OBJ-SLAM by BLUEARMOR-BRIGADE1.
Close:
BLUE-TASK-FORCE1, a balanced task force (MAIN-EFFORT1) attacks (ATTACK2) to penetrate (PENETRATE1) REDMECH-COMPANY4, then clears (CLEAR1) RED-TANK-COMPANY2 in order to enable (ENABLE-MILITARYPURPOSE2) the completion of seize (SEIZE2) OBJ-SLAM by BLUE-ARMOR-BRIGADE1.
BLUE-TASK-FORCE2, a balanced task force (SUPPORTING-EFFORT1) attacks (ATTACK3) to fix (FIX1) RED-MECHCOMPANY1 and RED-MECH-COMPANY2 and RED-MECH-COMPANY3 in order to prevent (PREVENT-MILITARYPURPOSE1) RED-MECH-COMPANY1 and RED-MECH-COMPANY2 and RED-MECH-COMPANY3 from interfering with
conducts of the MAIN-EFFORT1, then clears (CLEAR2) RED-MECH-COMPANY1 and RED-MECH-COMPANY2 and
RED-MECH-COMPANY3 and RED-TANK-COMPANY1.
BLUE-MECH-BATTALION1, a mechanized infantry battalion (SUPPORTING-EFFORT2) attacks (ATTACK4) to fix (FIX2)
RED-MECH-COMPANY5 and RED-MECH-COMPANY6 in order to prevent (PREVENT-MILITARY-PURPOSE4) REDMECH-COMPANY5 and RED-MECH-COMPANY6 from interfering with conducts of the MAIN-EFFORT1, then clears
(CLEAR3) RED-MECH-COMPANY5 and RED-MECH-COMPANY6 and RED-TANK-COMPANY3.
Reserve:
The reserve, BLUE-MECH-COMPANY8, a mechanized infantry company, follows Main Effort (MAIN-EFFORT1), and is
prepared to reinforce (REINFORCING-AMILITARY-FORCE1) MAIN-EFFORT1.
Security:
SUPPORTING-EFFORT1 destroys (DESTROY1) RED-CSOP1 prior to begin moving across PL-AMBER by MAINEFFORT1 in order to prevent (PREVENT-MILITARY-PURPOSE3) RED-MECH-REGIMENT2 from observing (MILITARYOBSERVE-ACTION1) MAIN-EFFORT1.
SUPPORTING-EFFORT2 destroys (DESTROY2) RED-CSOP2 prior to begin moving across PL-AMBER by MAINEFFORT1 in order to prevent (PREVENT-MILITARY-PURPOSE6) RED-MECH-REGIMENT2 from observing (MILITARYOBSERVE-ACTION2) MAIN-EFFORT1.
Deep:
Deep operations will destroy (DESTROY3) RED-TANK-COMPANY1 and RED-TANK-COMPANY2 and RED-TANKCOMPANY3.
Rear:
BLUE-MECH-PLT1, a mechanized infantry platoon secures (SECURE1) the brigade support area.
Explains what the units will do to accomplish the assigned mission.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
COA411 – the statement (cont.)
Fires:
Fires will suppress (SUPPRESS1) RED-MECH-COMPANY1 and RED-MECH-COMPANY2 and RED-MECH-COMPANY3
and RED-MECH-COMPANY4 and RED-MECH-COMPANY5 and RED-MECH-COMPANY6.
Obstacles:
Risk:
End State: At the conclusion of this operation, BLUE-BRIGADE2 will enable (ENABLE-MILITARY-PURPOSE1) accomplishing
conducts forward passage of lines through BLUE-BRIGADE2 by BLUE-ARMOR-BRIGADE1.
MAIN-EFFORT1 will complete to clear (CLEAR1) RED-MECH-COMPANY4 and RED-TANK-COMPANY2.
SUPPORTING-EFFORT1 will complete to clear (CLEAR2) RED-MECH-COMPANY1 and RED-MECH-COMPANY2 and
RED-MECH-COMPANY3 and RED-TANK-COMPANY1.
SUPPORGING-EFFORT2 will complete to clear (CLEAR3) RED-MECH-COMPANY5 and RED-MECH-COMPANY6 and
RED-TANK-COMPANY3.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
COA critiquing task
Answer each of the
following questions:
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
The Principle of Mass (from FM100-5)
Mass the effects of overwhelming combat power
at the decisive place and time.
Synchronizing all the elements of combat power where
they will have decisive effect on an enemy force in a
short period of time is to achieve mass. To mass is to hit
the enemy with a closed fist, not poke at him with
fingers of an open hand. Mass must also be sustained
so the effects have staying power. Thus, mass seeks to
smash the enemy, not sting him. This results from the
proper combination of combat power with the proper
application of other principles of war. Massing effects,
rather than concentrating forces, can enable numerically
inferior forces to achieve decisive results, while limiting
exposure to enemy fire.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Sample critiques generated by the COA agent
To what extent does this course of action
conform to the Principle of Mass?
There is a major strength in COA411 with respect to mass because BLUETASK-FORCE1 is the MAIN-EFFORT1 and it acts on the decisive point of the
COA (RED-MECH-COMPANY4) with a force ratio of 10.6, which exceeds a
recommended force ratio of 3.0. Additionally, the main effort is assisted by
supporting action SUPPRESS-MILITARY-TASK1 which also acts on the
decisive point. This is good evidence of the allocation of significantly more
than minimum combat power required at the decisive point and is indicative
of the proper application of the principle of mass.
There is a strength in COA411 with respect to mass
because BLUE-TASK-FORCE1 is the main effort of the
COA and it has been allocated 33% of available combat
power but this is considered just a medium level
weighting of the main effort.
Reference: FM 100-5 pg 2-4, KF 113.1, KF 113.2, KF 113.3, KF 113.4, KF
113.5 - To mass is to synchronize the effects of all elements of combat
power at the proper point and time to achieve decisive results.
Observance of the Principle of Mass may be evidenced by allocation to
the main effort of significantly greater combat power than the
minimum required throughout its mission, accounting for expected
losses. Mass is evidenced by the allocation of significantly more than
minimum combat power required at the decisive point.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
There is a strength in COA411
with respect to mass because
BLUE-MECH-COMPANY8 is a
COMPANY-UNIT-DESIGNATION
level maneuver unit assigned to
be the reserve. This is
considered a strong reserve for a
BRIGADE-UNIT-DESIGNATION
level COA and would be available
to continue the operation or
exploit success.
The Principle of Surprise (from FM100-5)
Strike the enemy at a time or place or in a
manner for which he is unprepared.
Surprise can decisively shift the balance of combat power.
By seeking surprise, forces can achieve success well out of
proportion to the effort expended. Rapid advances in
surveillance technology and mass communication make it
increasingly difficult to mask or cloak large-scale marshaling
or movement of personnel and equipment. The enemy need
not be taken completely by surprise but only become aware
too late to react effectively. Factors contributing to surprise
include speed, effective intelligence, deception, application
of unexpected combat power, operations security (OPSEC),
and variations in tactics and methods of operation. Surprise
can be in tempo, size of force, direction or location of main
effort, and timing. Deception can aid the probability of
achieving surprise.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Sample critique generated by the COA agent
To what extent does this course of action
conform to the Principle of Surprise?
"There is a strength with respect to surprise in COA411 because the enemy is
unlikely to be prepared for the heavy concentration of combat power applied
by BLUE-TASK-FORCE1 as MAIN-EFFORT1 in action PENETRATE1. In this
action, MAIN-EFFORT1 is applying a force ratio of 10.6 which is more than
double the recommended force ratio 3.0. Applying this much combat power
for this action is likely to surprise the enemy and is indicative of the proper
application of the principle of surprise."
Reference: FM 100-5 pg 2-5, KF 118.1, KF 118.2, KF 118.3 - Surprise is
achieved by striking/engaging the enemy in a time, place or manner for
which he is unprepared. The enemy can be surprised by the tempo of the
operation, the size of the force, the direction or location of the main effort,
and timing. Factors contributing to surprise include speed, effective
intelligence, deception, application of unexpected combat power, operations
security, and variations in tactics and methods of operation.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Modeling the critiquing process
Modeling the critiquing process: overview
Modeling the process of critiquing military courses of action
with respect to the Principle of Surprise
Modeling the process of critiquing military courses of action
with respect to the Principle of Offensive
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Modeling the critiquing process: overview
To assess a course of action with
respect to a specific principle or
tenet one needs a certain amount
of information about that course
of action, information related to
that principle or tenet. This
information is obtained by asking
a series of questions.
The answer to each question
allows one to reduce the current
assessment task to a more
specific and simpler one.
This process continues until one
has enough information to
recognize a weakness or a
strength.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
T1
Q1
A11
A11a1
S11a1
…
S1
A1n
T11a S11
T1n
Q11a
…
S1n
… A11am
S11am
Each leaf is a solution (a weakness
or a strength). The solution
corresponding to a node is the
union of the solutions of its
immediate children
The Principle of Surprise (from FM100-5)
Strike the enemy at a time or place or in a
manner for which he is unprepared.
Surprise can decisively shift the balance of combat power.
By seeking surprise, forces can achieve success well out of
proportion to the effort expended. Rapid advances in
surveillance technology and mass communication make it
increasingly difficult to mask or cloak large-scale marshaling
or movement of personnel and equipment. The enemy need
not be taken completely by surprise but only become aware
too late to react effectively. Factors contributing to surprise
include speed, effective intelligence, deception, application
of unexpected combat power, operations security (OPSEC),
and variations in tactics and methods of operation. Surprise
can be in tempo, size of force, direction or location of main
effort, and timing. Deception can aid the probability of
achieving surprise.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa411-surprise
Assess COA wrt Principle of Surprise
for-coa coa411
Does the COA assign appropriate surprise, deception, or counter-reconnaissance actions?
I consider
the presence of
surprise factors
Assess surprise wrt
surprise factors
for-coa coa411
I consider the
application of surprising
levels of combat power
Assess surprise wrt force ratio
for-coa coa411
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
I consider enemy
reconnaissance
Assess surprise wrt countering
enemy reconnaissance
for-coa coa411
I consider
the presence of
deception actions
Assess surprise wrt deception actions
for-coa coa411
coa411-surprise
Assess COA wrt Principle of Surprise
for-coa coa411
Does the COA assign appropriate surprise, deception, or counter-reconnaissance actions?
I consider the presence of surprise actions
Assess surprise wrt surprise actions
for-coa coa411
Does the COA include surprise actions?
Yes, ...
No, the COA does not have any surprise action
Report weakness in surprise because
there are no surprise actions assigned
for-coa coa411
for-nbr-actions 0
with-importance high
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa411-surprise
Assess COA wrt Principle of Surprise
for-coa coa411
Does the COA assign appropriate surprise, deception, or counter-reconnaissance actions?
I consider the application of
surprising levels of combat power
Assess surprise wrt force ratio
for-coa coa411
Do the main or supporting efforts use a surprising amount of combat power ?
Main effort is applying a force ratio of 10.6 for penetrate1
which is more than twice the recommended force ratio.
Report strength in surprise because of using
overwhelming combat power
for-coa
coa411
for-unit
blue-task-force1
for-effort
main-effort1
for-action
penetrate1
for-force-ratio 10.6
for-surprise-force-ratio 6.0
with-importance "high"
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
NO....
coa411-surprise
Assess COA wrt Principle of Surprise
for-coa coa411
Does the COA assign appropriate surprise, deception, or counter-reconnaissance actions?
I consider the presence of deception actions
Assess surprise wrt deception actions
for-coa coa411
Are deception actions assigned in the COA?
Yes, ...
No, there are no deception actions
Report weakness in surprise because
there are no deception actions assigned
for-coa coa411
for-nbr-actions 0
with-importance medium
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Assess COA wrt Principle of Surprise
for-coa coa411
coa411-surprise
Does the COA assign appropriate surprise, deception, or counter-reconnaissance actions?
I consider enemy reconnaissance
Assess surprise wrt countering enemy reconnaissance
for-coa coa411
Is an enemy reconnaissance unit present?
Yes, RED-CSOP1 which is performing
the reconnaissance action SCREEN1
No, ...
Assess surprise when enemy recon is present
for-coa coa411
for-unit red-csop1
for-recon-action screen1
Is the enemy reconnaissance unit destroyed?
Yes, RED-CSOP1 is destroyed by DESTROY1
No, ...
Report strength in surprise because of countering of enemy recon
for-coa coa411
for-unit red-csop1
for-recon-action screen1
for-action destroy1
with-importance
high
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Modeling based on COA421
COA 4.2.1
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Mission:
Close:
Reserve:
Security:
Deep:
Rear:
Fires:
BLUE-BRIGADE2 attacks (BLUE-BRIGADE-OP) to penetrate (BLUE-BRIGADE-TASK)
RED- MECH-REGIMENT2 at 130600 Aug in order to enable (ENABLE-MILITARYPURPOSE1) the completion of seize (SEIZE3) OBJSLAM by BLUE-ARMOR-BRIGADE1.
BLUE-TASK-FORCE1, a balanced task force (MAIN-EFFORT1) attacks (ATTACK2) to seize
(SEIZE1) OBJ-PASS in order to enable (ENABLE-MILITARY-PURPOSE2) the completion of
seize (SEIZE3) OBJ-SLAM by BLUE-ARMOR-BRIGADE1.
BLUE-TASK-FORCE2, a mechanized infantry task force (SUPPORTING-EFFORT1) attacks
(ATTACK3) to destroy (DESTROY1) RED-MECH-COMPANY1 and RED-MECHCOMPANY2 and RED-MECH-COMPANY3 in order to protect (PROTECT--MILITARYTASK1) BLUE-ARMOR-BRIGADE1, then clears (CLEAR1) RED-MECH-COMPANY1 and
RED-MECH-COMPANY2 and RED-MECH-COMPANY3.
BLUE-TASK-FORCE3, a mechanized infantry task force (SUPPORTING-EFFORT2) conducts
attack by fire (ATTACK-BY-FIRE1) at OBJ-BUD, then clears (CLEAR2) RED-MECHCOMPANY4 and RED-MECH-COMPANY5.
The reserve, BLUE-MECH-BATTALION1, a mechanized infantry battalion, follows and
supports (FOLLOW-AND-SUPPORT1) MAIN-EFFORT1.
Deep operations will destroy (DESTROY2) RED-MECH-REGIMENT2 .
Fires will neutralize (NEUTRALIZE1) RED-MECH-COMPANY4 and RED-MECHCOMPANY5.
Obstacles:
No rear security element will be provided for the brigade support area.
Risk:
End State:
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa421-surprise
Assess COA wrt Principle of Surprise
for-coa coa421
Does the COA assign appropriate surprise, deception, or counter-reconnaissance actions?
I consider enemy reconnaissance
Assess surprise wrt countering enemy reconnaissance
for-coa coa421
Is an enemy reconnaissance unit present?
Yes, RED-CSOP1 which is performing
the reconnaissance action SCREEN1
No, ...
Assess surprise when enemy recon is present
for-coa coa421
for-unit red-csop1
for-recon-action screen1
Is the enemy reconnaissance unit destroyed?
Yes ….
No, RED-CSOP1 is not destroyed
Report weakness in surprise because enemy recon is not countered
for-coa coa421
for-unit red-csop1
for-recon-action screen1
with-importance
high
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Modeling based on COA51
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
COA 5.1
Mission:
BLUE-BRIGADE1 conducts area defense (BLUE-BRIGADE-OP) to canalize (BLUE-BRIGADE-TASK) RED-ARMORDIVISION1 on AA2 in order to enable (ENABLE-MILITARY-PURPOSE1) the completion of destroy (DESTROY2) REDARMOR-DIVISION1 in EA-STORM by BLUE-DIVISION1.
Close:
BLUE-TASK-FORCE1, an armor task force (MAIN-EFFORT1) defends (DEFEND1) to block (BLOCK1) RED-ARMORREGIMENT2, then delays (DELAY1) RED-ARMOR-DIVISION1 along AA2 in order to cause RED-ARMOR-DIVISION1
maneuver into EA-STORM.
BLUE-TASK-FORCE2, a balanced task force (SUPPORTING-EFFORT1) defends (DEFEND2) to interdict (INTERDICT1) REDARMOR-REGIMENT1 on AA1 in order to prevent (PREVENT-MILITARY-PURPOSE1) RED-ARMOR-REGIMENT1 from
engaging in bypassing (BYPASS--MILITARY-TASK1) MAIN-EFFORT1.
BLUE-TASK-FORCE3, a balanced task force (SUPPORTING-EFFORT2) defends (DEFEND3) to interdict (INTERDICT2) REDINFANTRY-REGIMENT1 on AA3 in order to prevent (PREVENT-MILITARY-PURPOSE2) RED-INFANTRY-REGIMENT1
from engaging in bypassing (BYPASS--MILITARY-TASK2) MAIN-EFFORT1.
Reserve:
The reserve, BLUE-ARMOR-COMPANY8, a tank company at BP1, is prepared to reinforce (REINFORCING-AMILITARYFORCE1) MAIN-EFFORT1, and is prepared to reinforce (REINFORCING-AMILITARY-FORCE2) SUPPORTING-EFFORT1.
Security:
BLUE-BATTALION1, a mechanized infantry battalion (SUPPORTING-EFFORT3) screens (SCREEN-RIGHT) PL-DUDE in order
to prevent (PREVENT-MILITARY-PURPOSE3) RED-ARMOR-DIVISION1 from surprise BLUE-BRIGADE1.
Deep:
Rear:
BLUE-MECH-PLATOON1, a mechanized infantry platoon responds to threats in the rear area in order to protect the brigade support
area.
Fires:
Obstacles:
Risk:
End State: At the conclusion of this operation, BLUE-BRIGADE1 will complete causing RED-ARMOR-DIVISION1 to maneuver into EASTORM.
BLUE-TASK-FORCE1 will engage in conducting a forward defense (DEFEND1).
BLUE-TASK-FORCE1 will enable delaying (DELAY1) RED-CORPS1.
BLUE-TASK-FORCE2 will enable interdicting (INTERDICT1) RED-CORPS1 on AA1.
BLUE-TASK-FORCE3 will enable interdicting (INTERDICT2) RED-CORPS1 on AA3.
BLUE-BATTALION1 will enable screening (SCREEN-RIGHT) PL-DUDE.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa51-surprise
Assess COA wrt Principle of Surprise
for-coa coa51
Does the COA assign appropriate surprise, deception, or counter-reconnaissance actions?
I consider the presence of deception actions
Assess surprise wrt deception actions
for-coa coa51
Are deception actions assigned in the COA?
Yes, there is 1 deception action
Report strength in surprise because
there are deception actions assigned
for-coa coa51
for-nbr-actions 1
with-importance medium
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
No, there are no deception actions
Assess COA wrt Principle of Surprise
for-coa coa51
coa51-surprise
Does the COA assign appropriate surprise, deception, or counter-reconnaissance actions?
I consider the presence of surprise factors
Assess surprise wrt the presence of surprise factors
for-coa
coa51
Is there surprise timing or surprise actions present in the COA?
I am considering surprise timing of operations
I am considering the presence of surprise actions
Assess surprise wrt surprise timing
for-coa
coa51
Is there surprise timing for this operation?
No
Yes, ….
Report weakness in surprise because no surprise timing
for-coa
coa51
for-nbr-actions
1
with-importance high
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
The Principle of Offensive (from FM100-5)
Seize, retain, and exploit the initiative.
Offensive action is the most effective and decisive way
to attain a clearly defined common objective. Offensive
operations are the means by which a military force
seizes and holds the initiative while maintaining
freedom of action and achieving decisive results. This is
fundamentally true across all levels of war.
Commanders adopt the defensive only as a temporary
expedient and must seek every opportunity to seize the
initiative. An offensive spirit must therefore be inherent
in the conduct of all defensive operations. The side that
retains the initiative through offensive action forces the
enemy to react rather than act.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Assess COA with respect to Principle of Offensive
for-coa coa411
coa411-offensive
Does the COA exhibit the key aspects of offensive - gaining, retaining and exploiting the initiative?
I consider the number
of offensive actions
I consider the presence
of end statements
Assess offensive wrt
the number of
offensive actions
for-coa coa411
Assess offensive wrt
the presence of
end statements
for-coa coa411
I consider the presence
of special offensive actions
such as penetrations
Assess offensive wrt
the presence of special
offensive actions
for-coa coa411
I consider
the presence of
follow on forces
Assess offensive wrt the
presence of follow on forces
for-coa coa411
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
I consider
the presence of
independent actions
I consider
the presence of
sequential actions
Assess offensive
wrt the presence of
independent actions
for-coa coa411
Assess offensive wrt the
presence of sequential actions
for-coa coa411
Assess COA with respect to Principle of Offensive
for-coa
coa411
coa411-offensive
Does the COA exhibit the key aspects of offensive - gaining, retaining and exploiting the initiative?
I consider the number of offensive actions
Assess offensive wrt the number of offensive actions
for-coa
coa411
Does the COA include offensive actions?
Yes, the COA has 6 offensive actions
No, ...
Assess offensive when there are offensive actions
for-coa
coa411
for-nbr-offensive-actions
6
Is the main effort assigned offensive actions?
No, ...
Yes, the main effort is assigned 1 offensive action
Assess offensive when main effort has offensive actions
for-coa
coa411
for-nbr-offensive-actions
6
for-nbr-main-effort-offensive-actions 1
Are the supporting efforts assigned offensive actions?
No, ...
Yes, the supporting efforts are assigned 4 offensive actions
2
Report strength in offensive because both the main and the supporting efforts have offensive actions
for-coa
coa411
for-nbr-offensive-actions
6
for-nbr-main-effort-offensive-actions 1
for-nbr-supporting-efforts-offensive-actions 4
with-importance
...
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa411-offensive
Assess COA with respect to Principle of Offensive
for-coa coa411
Does the COA exhibit the key aspects of offensive - gaining, retaining and exploiting the initiative?
I consider the presence of special offensive actions such as penetrations
Assess offensive wrt the presence of special offensive actions
for-coa
coa411
Does the COA include special offensive actions, such as penetrations?
I consider the presence of penetrations
Assess offensive wrt the presence of penetrations
for-coa
coa411
Does the COA include a penetration?
Yes, the COA includes penetrate1, which is a penetration
Report strength in offensive because of presence of penetration
for-coa
coa411
with-importance ...
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa421-offensive
Assess COA with respect to Principle of Offensive
for-coa coa421
Does the COA exhibit the key aspects of offensive - gaining, retaining and exploiting the initiative?
I consider the presence of follow on forces
Assess offensive wrt the presence of follow on forces
for-coa coa421
Are follow on forces available to retain and exploit the initiative ?
Yes, blue-mech-battalion1 follows and supports the main effort
Report strength in offensive because there are maneuver forces
to follow and support main effort
for-coa coa421
for-unit blue-mech-battalion1
for-task follow-and-support1
with-importance ...
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa421-offensive
Assess COA with respect to Principle of Offensive
for-coa coa421
Does the COA exhibit the key aspects of offensive - gaining, retaining and exploiting the initiative?
I consider the presence of follow on forces
Assess offensive wrt the presence of follow on forces
for-coa coa421
Are follow on forces available to retain and exploit the initiative ?
Yes, blue-mech-battalion1 follows and supports the main effort
Report strength in offensive because there are maneuver forces
to follow and support main effort
for-coa coa421
for-unit blue-mech-battalion1
for-task follow-and-support1
with-importance ...
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa421-offensive
Assess COA with respect to Principle of Offensive
for-coa coa421
Does the COA exhibit the key aspects of offensive - gaining, retaining and exploiting the initiative?
I consider the presence of end statements
Assess offensive wrt the presence of end statements
for-coa coa421
Does the COA include an end state statement to provide
units guidance on where and when they can take initiative?
No
Report weakness in offensive because there are no end statements
for-coa coa421
with-importance ...
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa51-offensive
Assess COA with respect to Principle of Offensive
for-coa
coa51
Does the COA exhibit the key aspects of offensive - gaining, retaining and exploiting the initiative?
I consider the number of offensive actions
Assess offensive wrt the number of offensive actions
for-coa
coa51
Does the COA include offensive actions?
Yes, ...
No
Report weakness in offensive because no offensive actions
for-coa
coa51
for-nbr-offensive-actions
0
with-importance
...
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa51-offensive
Assess COA with respect to Principle of Offensive
for-coa
coa51
Does the COA exhibit the key aspects of offensive - gaining, retaining and exploiting the initiative?
I consider the number of offensive actions
Assess offensive wrt the number of offensive actions
for-coa
coa51
Does the COA include offensive actions?
Yes, ...
No
Report weakness in offensive because no offensive actions
for-coa
coa51
for-nbr-offensive-actions
0
with-importance
...
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
coa51-offensive
Assess COA with respect to Principle of Offensive
for-coa coa51
Does the COA exhibit the key aspects of offensive - gaining, retaining and exploiting the initiative?
I consider the presence of independent actions
Assess offensive wrt the presence of independent actions
for-coa
coa51
Does the COA include independent actions?
Yes, the COA has 2 independent action
Report strength in offensive because of presence of independent actions
for-coa
coa51
for-nbr-actions
2
with-importance ...
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Demonstration of the Disciple-COA agent
Disciple
COA
Demo
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Identification through task reduction
Identification as an expertise task
The Center of Gravity concept
The Center of Gravity identification agent
Modeling the identification process
Demonstration of the Disciple-CoG agent
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Identification as an expertise task
Identification means recognizing an entity
as being a certain thing.
Example: Identification of the strategic center of
gravity candidates in military conflicts.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
The Center of Gravity (CoG) concept
The center of gravity of an entity (state, alliance,
coalition, or group) is the foundation of capability, the
hub of all power and movement, upon which everything
depends, the point against which all the energies should
be directed.
Carl Von Clausewitz, “On War,” 1832.
If a combatant eliminates or influences the enemy’s
strategic center of gravity, then the enemy will lose
control of its power and resources and will eventually
fall to defeat. If the combatant fails to adequately protect
his own strategic center of gravity, he invites disaster.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
The center of gravity identification agent
Agent task
Identify strategic Center of Gravity (CoG) candidates for a
military scenario.
Input
A description of a military scenario, such as the World War II
invasion of Sicily by the Anglo allies, in 1943.
Output
Strategic center of gravity candidates for each opposing
force and its members (e.g. Anglo allies, US, Britain).
The agent will also provide a detailed description of its lines
of reasoning.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
The Sicily 1943 Scenario
The Allied decision to invade Sicily following the successful operation in North Africa was a critical element
of World War II (WWII). The commitment of such a large force to continue operations in the Mediterranean
theater meant that the cross-channel invasion of Europe would be delayed.
American military leaders strongly favored the cross-channel invasion at the earliest possible opportunity.
This meant giving this invasion force first priority for troops, shipping and equipment. The British favored an
indirect approach that would see a major effort continue in the Mediterranean. The Allies settled on the
Mediterranean approach at the Casablanca conference in January 1943 and began planning for Operation
Husky, the invasion of Sicily.
Situated ninety miles off the north coast of Africa and two and one-half miles from the toe of the Italian
peninsula, Sicily was both a natural bridge between Africa and Europe and a barrier dividing the
Mediterranean Sea. It was an unsinkable air and naval fortress from which Axis forces interdicted Allied’ sea
lines of communications through the Mediterranean.
Operation Husky was the largest amphibious operation ever conducted up to that time. The operation
encountered numerous difficulties and gained the Allies valuable experience that would be critical for the
successful invasion of Europe. Operation Husky was the last U.S. and British combined operation of WWII in
which roughly equal numbers of British and US ground forces would be committed. British ground forces
would initially be the main effort of the operation but by its conclusion US ground forces would have the lead.
After Sicily, US forces would constitute the largest element of Allied’ combat power for the remainder of the
war.
The German defense of Sicily is one of the finest examples of defensive warfare in modern history. The bulk
of the Axis forces available for the campaign were Italian, but despite competent leadership and decisionmaking at the General Officer level, the Italian forces were mostly ineffective. Greatly outnumbered and outgunned, the Germans effectively delayed the allied advance for weeks, allowing German units to reinforce
Italy. The campaign ended with a brilliant evacuation of German forces and equipment from Sicily despite
Allied air and naval superiority.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Strategic COG candidates identified by the agent
Identify the strategic COG candidates for the Sicily_1943 scenario
The will of the Anglo_allies_1943 is a strategic COG candidate
for Anglo_allies_1943 which is an equal partner alliance
The cooperation between the subgroups of Allied_forces_operations_Husky
which conduct “combined and joint operations” is a strategic COG candidate
for Anglo_allies_1943
President_Roosevelt is a strategic COG candidate for US_1943 which
is a representative democracy and a member of Anglo_allies_1943
The “will of the people” of US_1943 is a strategic COG candidate for US_1943
which is a representative democracy and a member of Anglo_allies_1943
Industrial_capacity_of_US_1943 is a strategic COG candidate
for US_1943 which is a member of Anglo_allies_1943
…
Army_of_Germany_1943 is a strategic COG candidate for
for Germany_1943 which is a member of European_Axis_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Modeling the identification process
To identify a center of gravity
candidate for a given scenario
(e.g. Sicily_1943) one needs a
certain amount of information
which is obtained by asking a
series of questions.
The answer to each question
allows one to reduce the
current identification task to a
more specific and simpler one.
T1
Q1
A11
A11a1
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
…
A1n
T11a S11
T1n
Q11a
…
S1n
… A11am
S11a1
This process continues until
one has enough information
about an entity in the scenario
to identify it as a center of
gravity candidate.
S1
S11am
Each leaf of the tree is a solution
(a COG candidate). The solution
corresponding to a node is the
union of the solutions of its
immediate children.
1
Sample modeling: the Sicily_1943 scenario
I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for the Sicily_1943 scenario
Which is an opposing force in the Sicily_1943 scenario?
Anglo_allies_1943
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for Anglo_allies_1943
Is Anglo_allies_1943 a single member force or a multi-member force?
Anglo_allies_1943 is a multi-member force
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for the Anglo_allies_1943
which is a multi-member force
continues on 2
European_Axis_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
2
Sample modeling (cont. from
1
)
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for the Anglo_allies_1943
which is a multi-member force
What type of strategic COG candidates should I consider for a multi-member force?
I consider the candidates corresponding to the multi-member nature of the force
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates corresponding to
the multi-member nature of the force for the Anglo_allies_1943 continues on 3
I consider the candidates corresponding to the members of the multi-member force
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates corresponding to
the members of the Anglo_allies_1943
continues on 6
I consider the candidates corresponding to
other sources of strength and power of Anglo_allies_1943
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates corresponding to
other sources of strength and power of Anglo_allies_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
continues on 11
3
Sample modeling (cont. from
2
)
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates corresponding to
the multi_member nature of the force for the Anglo_allies_1943
What type of strategic COG candidates should I consider
for the multi_member nature of the force?
I consider the relationships between the members of the force
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to
the relationships between the members of the Anglo_allies_1943
continues on 4
I consider the type of operations being conducted by the members of the force
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the type of operations
being conducted by the members of the Anglo_allies_1943
continues on 5
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
4
Sample modeling (cont. from
3
)
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to
the relationships between the members of the Anglo_allies_1943
Is the Anglo_allies_1943 an equal partner or a dominant partner alliance or coalition?
Anglo_allies_1943 is an equal partner alliance
Therefore I conclude that
The will of the Anglo_allies_1943 is a strategic COG candidate
for Anglo_allies_1943, an equal partner alliance
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
5
Sample modeling (cont. from
3
)
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the type of operations
being conducted by the members of the Anglo_allies_1943
Which is the primary force element that will conduct the campaign for Anglo_allies_1943?
Allied_forces_operations_Husky
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the type of operations being conducted by
Allied_forces_operations_Husky, the primary force element of the Anglo_allies_1943
Is Allied_forces_operations_Husky made up of a true single group or are there subgroups?
Allied_forces_operations_Husky is made up of several subgroups
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the type of operations
being conducted by Allied_forces_operations_Husky, a multi_group force
which is the primary force element of the Anglo_allies_1943
What types of operations are being conducted by
the subgroups of Allied_forces_operations_Husky?
Combined and joint operations
Therefore I conclude that
The cooperation between the subgroups of Allied_forces_operations_Husky, which conduct
combined and joint operations is a strategic COG candidate for Anglo_allies_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
6
Sample modeling (cont. from
2
)
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates corresponding to
the members of the Anglo_allies_1943
Which is a member of the Anglo_allies_1943?
Britain_1943
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for Britain_1943,
a member of Anglo_allies_1943
continues on 7
US_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
7
Sample modeling (cont. from
6
)
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for Britain_1943, a member of Anglo_allies_1943
What type of strategic COG candidates should I consider for Britain_1943?
I consider strategic COG candidates with respect to the controlling element of Britain_1943
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the controlling
element of Britain_1943, a member of Anglo_allies_1943
continues on 8
I consider strategic COG candidates with respect to the governing element of Britain_1943
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the governing
element of Britain_1943, a member of Anglo_allies_1943
continues on 9
I consider strategic COG candidates with respect to the civilization of Britain_1943
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the civilization
of Britain_1943, a member of Anglo_allies_1943
continues on 10
I consider strategic COG candidates with respect to other sources
of strength and power of Britain_1943
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to other sources
of strength and power of Britain_1943, a member of Anglo_allies_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
8
Sample modeling (cont. from
7
)
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the controlling
element of Britain_1943, a member of Anglo_allies_1943
Who or what is the primary controlling element of Britain_1943,
setting its objectives and making the main decisions?
PM_Winston_Churchill
Therefore I conclude that
PM_Winston_Churchill is a strategic COG candidate for Britain_1943,
a parliamentary democracy and a member of Anglo_allies_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
9
Sample modeling (cont. from
7
)
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the governing
element of Britain_1943, a member of Anglo_allies_1943
What type of governing body controls Britain_1943?
Britain_1943 is a parliamentary democracy
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the governing element of Britain_1943,
a parliamentary democracy and a member of Anglo_allies_1943
Who or what is the dominant governing element of this parliamentary democracy?
The will of the people
Therefore I conclude that
The will of the people of Britain_1943 is a strategic COG candidate for Britain_1943,
a parliamentary democracy and a member of Anglo_allies_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
10
Sample modeling (cont. from
7
)
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the civilization
of Britain_1943, a member of Anglo_allies_1943
At what level is the civilization of Britain_1943 organized?
Britain_1943 is an industrial civilization
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates with respect to the industrial civilization
of Britain_1943, a member of Anglo_allies_1943
Who or what is a strategically critical industrial civilization element in Britain_1943?
Industrial_capacity_of_Britain_1943
Therefore I conclude that
Industrial_capacity_of_Britain_1943 is a strategic COG candidate
for Britain_1943, a member of Anglo_allies_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
11
Sample modeling (cont. from
2
)
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates corresponding to other sources of strength
and power of Anglo_allies_1943
Which or what is a source of strength and power of Anglo_Allies_1943?
Strategic_mobility_of_Anglo_Allies_1943
Therefore I conclude that
Strategic_mobility_of_Anglo_Allies_1943 is a strategic COG candidate for Anglo_allies_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Demonstration of the Disciple-CoG agent
Disciple
CoG
Demo
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Guidelines for the modeling process
General guidelines
Specific guidelines
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
General guidelines
• Partition the domain into classes of problems.
• Select representative problems for each class.
• Model one class at a time.
• Model one example solution at a time.
• Organize the top level part of the problem solving
tree to identify the class of the problem.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Partition the domain into classes of problems
Workaround Domain
Workaround
damaged tunnels
Workaround
damage
Workaround
damaged bridges
Workaround
damaged bridges
with fording
Workaround
damaged bridges
with fixed bridges
Workaround
damaged bridges
with floating bridges
Workaround
damaged roads
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Workaround
damaged bridges
with rafts
Partition the domain into classes of problems
COA Domain
Each principle and tenet leads to a different class of critiquing task.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Partition the domain into classes of problems
CoG Domain
Major theater war
Counter insurgency
Type of scenario
Counter terrorism
Peace keeping
Drug/law enforcement
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Specific guidelines for the modeling process
1. Identify the problem to be solved, then form a task name by writing a
clear, thorough, natural language sentence describing that problem.
2. Follow each task or sub-task with a single, concise, question
relevant to solving the named task.
- Ask small, incremental questions that are likely to have a single category
of answer (but not necessarily a single answer). This usually means ask
“who”, or “what”, or “where”, or “what kind of”, or “is this or that” etc., not
complex questions such as “who and what”, or “what and where”,
3. Follow each question with one or more answers to that question.
- Express answers as complete sentences, restating key elements of the
question in the answer.
- Even well formed, simple questions are likely to generate multiple
answers. Select the answer that corresponds to the example solution
being modeled and continue down that branch. Go back and explore
possible branches in a solution tree when you are ready to model a new
example solution.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Specific guidelines for the modeling process (cont.)
4. Evaluate the complexity of each question and its answers. When a
question leads to apparently overly complex answers, especially
answers that contain an “and” condition, rephrase the question in a
simpler, more incremental manner leading to simpler answers.
5. For each answer, form a new sub-task, or several sub-tasks, or a
solution corresponding to that answer, by writing a clear, thorough,
natural language sentence describing the new sub-tasks or solution.
- To the extent that it is practical, incorporate key relevant phrases and
elements of preceding task names in sub-task names to portray the
expert’s chain of problem solving thought and the accumulation of
relevant knowledge.
- If the answer has led to several sub-tasks, then model their solutions in a
depth-first order.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Specific guidelines for the modeling process (cont.)
6. After completing a solution tree for an example solution, revisit the
potential branches of that tree to model additional example
solutions within that category of solutions, reusing existing model
components to the greatest extent possible.
7. Utilize the tools and learning ability of Disciple to the greatest
extent possible to minimize the amount of modeling required.
8. Only completely model solutions that are unique in their entirety.
Entirely unique solutions will be rare.
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Illustration of the guidelines
I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for the Sicily_1943 scenario
Which are the opposing forces in the Sicily_1943 scenario?
Rephrase
this
question in
a simpler,
more
incremental
manner,
leading to
simpler
answers
Anglo_allies_1943 and European_Axis_1943
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for Anglo_allies_1943
Identify the strategic COG candidates for European_Axis_1943
I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for the Sicily_1943 scenario
Which is an opposing force in the Sicily_1943 scenario?
Anglo_allies_1943
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for Anglo_allies_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
Illustration of the guidelines
I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for the Sicily_1943 scenario
Which is an opposing force in the Sicily_1943 scenario?
Disciple can
develop the
modeling for
European_
Axis_1943
by following
the model for
Anglo_Allies
_1943
Anglo_allies_1943
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for Anglo_allies_1943
Is Anglo_allies_1943 a single member force or a multi-member force?
Anglo_allies_1943 is a multi-member force
Therefore I need to
Identify the strategic COG candidates for the Anglo_allies_1943
which is a multi-member force
…
European_Axis_1943
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
A systematic approach to agent teaching
Identify the strategic COG candidates for the Sicily_1943 scenario
Anglo_allies_1943
European_Axis_1943
other factors
alliance
1
8
other factors
alliance
individual states
4
individual states
5
Britain_1943
2
 G.Tecuci, Learning Agents Laboratory
US_1943
3
Germany_1943
6
Italy_1943
7