Welcome to part two of our blog series, where we unveil the Batumi scenario, representative of our ability to enhance mission rehearsals within high pressure situations. Set against the backdrop of Russian-Georgian geopolitics and the impact of disinformation campaigns, our scenario explores critical planning aspects of non-combatant evacuation operations (NEOs).
A training simulation scenario begins:
As tensions flare in the Black Sea region, the bustling port city of Batumi finds itself at the centre of a rapidly escalating crisis. A nearby conflict and a carefully orchestrated disinformation campaign, has triggered aggression towards US citizens across the county, heightening fears and increasing tension. Protesters have taken to the streets, and rumours of hostile forces moving closer to the coastal city threaten to ignite widespread panic.
Amid this chaos, the U.S. Embassy in Batumi is under immediate threat. High-value Individuals (HVIs), including diplomatic staff and their families, must be extracted swiftly and safely. With congested roads, overwhelmed emergency services, and unreliable communication networks, the mission faces immense logistical and operational challenges.
Allied forces are tasked with executing Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in a chaotic environment under siege. They must ensure the safe evacuation of civilians while maintaining operational control in a city on the brink of disorder.
At I/ITSEC, Hadean will be demonstrating how the Synthetic Environment serves as a powerful training tool for preparing leaders and teams to navigate the unpredictable challenges of modern operations. Hadean simulates high-pressure situations such as this by modelling not only the physical terrain but also the complex human dynamics and cyber threats that define today’s conflict zones.
Transforming NEOs Through Real-Time Simulations
The Batumi scenario shows how mission planners can manage the complexities of cognitive challenges posed by the citizens of the city of Batumi. Hadean’s AI agents provide a backdrop of human terrain, emulating sentiment, interactions and emergent behaviour of the population and its social networks.
As events in Batumi escalate, civilian patterns of behaviour shift unexpectedly. Crowds swell with panic, defiant individuals emerge in the city, and within hours, misinformation campaigns disrupt operations. As the digital and physical worlds collide, participants must grapple with fragmented communication networks and an overwhelmed infrastructure. The challenge intensifies when a sudden cyber-attack disables communication systems. Neighbourhoods are left in the dark while emergency responders struggle to coordinate amidst the chaos.
In such scenarios, the power of disinformation cannot be underestimated. Misinformation erodes trust, creates fear and amplifies chaos. Recognising the far-reaching effects of disinformation is vital to developing mission plans and course of action strategies that mitigate its impact.
Simulating Scenarios to Manage Disinformation
A standout feature of Hadean technology is its ability to simulate “pattern-of-life” behaviour, modelling civilians – their movement, objectives, interactions and their response to disinformation. Mission planners can anticipate crowd behaviours, identify vulnerabilities, and adapt to maintain control during operational scenarios like the one featured in this blog.
By replicating challenges like the Batumi simulated crisis, where misinformation and cyber activities amplify public unrest, training can foster skills in detecting, analysing, and countering disinformation while managing its psychological effects. Participants can learn to implement coordinated communication strategies, enhance operational resilience, and maintain control across all domains to ensure a comprehensive approach to modern hybrid threats.
Holistic Training for Modern Conflict Preparedness
Our Batumi scenario showcases how advanced simulations are reshaping military preparedness. Spanning the entire mission cycle, it showcases how the synthetic environment ensures personnel are ready to tackle complex operations involving disinformation and psychological warfare. As modern conflicts increasingly merge physical, digital and cognitive challenges, the SE becomes an essential ingredient for mission success and future conflict readiness.
Stay tuned as we explore more scenarios in upcoming posts, each designed to demonstrate the endless possibilities Hadean offers for planning and training in a range of operational contexts. Hadean will be demonstrating our Batumi Scenario at I/ITSEC 2024, come join us for more insights and innovations!