Publications

Hybrid threats consist of a combination of military and non-military efforts targeting the general population and aimed at destabilizing a state or polarizing society. The adversary generally employs both kinetic as well as subversive operations and relies on clandestine actions in order to hamper retribution. Recently, hybrid threats have manifested themselves in real actions that are rapidly increasing in scale, speed and intensity. NATO is seeking novel and better ways to defend itself against hybrid threats by more closely cooperating in areas such as improved situational awareness, civil (and military) preparedness and resilience, cyber defence, strategic communications and joint training and exercises. This Symposium looked to help expand NATO’s instruments to prevent and counter hybrid and irregular threats by exploring the effective use of modelling and simulation technology as a critical enabler of, e.g.: Concept development and experimentation; Operational tactical planning and decision support; Urban Warfare Modeling and Visualization; Cyber Defence; Interoperability verification testing; and Connected individual and collective training – as well as other related activities. The Symposium provided a forum to identify and gain input on and resolution of issues associated with NATO M&S Policy, and overviews of current NATO M&S activities pertaining to both the development and effective employment of M&S, and highlighted M&S impact assessments and lessons learned. During the 2016 NMSG Symposium, a specific topic of current interest for NATO/national priority was chosen for the next year’s edition of this event.