The Department of Defense (DoD) requires an enterprise-level data strategy for M&S that is aligned with the DoD Net-Centric Data Strategy and provides a framework for gaining efficiencies for the Department. DoD benefits from having credible, authoritative source data to use for representing those characteristics of the natural environment that affect military operations. However, the process of developing operationally realistic representations from those data takes both time and money. Moreover, the complexity of this endeavor requires robust systems and data engineering rigor. A comprehensive enterprise data strategy will provide the vision, guidance, and policy recommendations needed to achieve governance of the data enterprise and provide a roadmap for advancing the strategic objectives of M&S interoperability and reuse.

The M&S Steering Committee (M&S SC) has tasked M&SCO to develop a DoD-wide M&S Enterprise Data Strategy. The white paper, entitled “An Emerging DoD M&S Enterprise Data Strategy” identifies key concepts and important elements of that strategy. M&S data and data-related tools and web service projects that the Department is currently developing will be influenced by this strategy. The paper provides a summary of the necessary elements for the strategy and clarifies the benefits of enterprise implementation across M&S Communities and Components that are enabled by M&S.