JTLS-GO

Hardware Guidance and Recommendations

Backend Server Hardware Guidance
Client Workstation Guidance

Introduction

JTLS-GO consists of several software programs integrated into a system that allows users to create databases, execute the simulation, and analyze the results. These programs include the following:

  • Database Development System (DDS), a Java and PostgreSQL based application, which provides the user a method to add, delete, change and review the forces available to a scenario and their characteristics.
  • Combat Events Program (CEP) which is the combat model that tracks the status of the objects repesented in the scenario.
  • JTLS-GO Object Distribution Authority (JODA) which serves the data generated by the CEP to the other processes that require knowledge of the current status information of the scenario objects.
  • Web Enabled JTLS-GO services (Apache data server, XMS, SYNAPSE, OMA, and JXSR), which provide access to the available data over the secure internet connection.
  • Web Hosted Interface Program (WHIP), which is the graphical user interface for JTLS-GO, allow the user to enter orders to modeled objects and receive information concerning their status within the simulated operation.

Basic Equipment Information

JTLS-GO is targeted for a 64-bit architecture. For this reason, the current equipment listed only includes 64-bit hardware.

The manner in which an operating system performs is tightly linked to the processor used. The JTLS-GO CEP, JODA, and the Web Enabled JTLS services have only been tested and approved to execute on the AMD64/x86_64/x64 architecture. These core programs are only supported/tested on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Oracle Linux (a downsteam variant of RHEL).

The WHIP user interface program can operate on any machine capable of running 64 bit Java, but detailed testing is only conducted on Microsoft Windows 11 or Red Hat and Oracle Linux workstations that utilize the AMD64/x86_64/x64 architecture.

The equipment required to execute the core components of JTLS-GO - the CEP, Web services, and WHIPs is configured according to the intended use of JTLS-GO within an academic, analysis, training, or exercise environment. Depending on the intended use of JTLS-GO, the system can be executed on an optimized desktop or laptop computer, or a suite of servers and client workstations.

Single or multiple analysts or academicians who desire to execute simple vignettes for research purposes can successfully execute the model on a single Linux OS machine. A single computer may also be used to execute the model for small groups of simulation trainees.

Larger groups will probably require a configuration similar to the Backend Server Hardware Guidance specifications. The configuration needed to support a larger audience of users will require additional server hardware to distribute the processing loads of the CEP and Web services. This distribution is needed to improve system performance and user interface response. Windows platforms are recommended to execute the WHIPs for exercises and user training.

The equipment shown in the Client Workstation Hardware Guidance specifications is the minimum configuration recommended to execute a scenario that supports approximately 5,000 units and 30,000 targets. Other critical elements, such as exercise, analysis, training environments, scenario size and complexity, must be considered while planning an optimal JTLS-GO installation. Smaller databases and scenarios used for research, analysis, training, testing, experimentation, or demonstration will operate successfully on significantly reduced platforms.

All servers and workstations used in this configuration require 100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity. All servers must execute a version of the Linux OS compatible with Red Hat Linux 9. Workstations can either execute a version of the Linux OS compatible with RedHat Linux 8.3 or a supported version of Microsoft Windows. It is recommended that one printer per work area be made available to support large-scale training events.

Additional Required Software

As of JTLS-GO Version 6.0, there is no additional software required to run the full range and capabilities of the system. JTLS-GO is a complete software package, including the PostgreSQL Relational Database Management System, used by both the DDS and the After Action Review workstation known as the TRIPP. JTLS-GO simply needs to be loaded on a Linux network following the installation instructions.