High Level Architecture object model development and supporting tools

The purpose of this article is to familiarize the reader with the activitie s currently underway with the Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO) to provide supporting processes and tools for HLA federation and object mo del development. The article begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of an HLA federation and HLA object model, and identifies the processes th at have been defined to guide their development. The HLA Tools Architecture is then discussed, which defines the overarching framework within which th e HLA object modeling tools are described. Next, a use case example is pres ented to illustrate how automated tools facilitate the HLA object model dev elopment process. Finally, the mechanisms in place to provide user support for HLA object modeling tools and processes are identified, as well as DMSO initiatives to foster a marketplace for commercial tool development.