Accession Number:

ADB006761

Title:

The Feasibility of Measuring the Contribution of Artificial Obstacle Systems to Force Performance

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS

Personal Author(s):

• Boone, Howard E.

Report Date:

1975-06-06

Pagination or Media Count:

134.0

Abstract:

This thesis studies the contribution which artificial barriers make to the combat process. The U.S. Army is committed to barrier operations by stated doctrine, by significant stockpiles of barrier materials, and by war plans which allocate significant portions of deployed forces to executing plans. With reduced force levels and inflationary budgets, high level decision makers must decide where to accept force reductions and how to adjust mission requirements. To be competitive in that environment the barrier mission must be assessed on the basis of its contribution to the force mission. This thesis attempts to prove the feasibility of a technique for studying the barrier problem. The conclusion that the particular technique recommended by this thesis is feasible does not appear to be invalidated by the difficulties encountered in structuring the model. Recommendations for a second generation model with a more flexible representation of possible Red strategies and a concentrated effort to develop Blue decisions which accurately reflect the impact of the simulated time period continue to be appropriate.

Descriptors:

• *BARRIERS
• *DEFENSE SYSTEMS
• *WAR GAMES
• ATTACK
• CASUALTIES
• DECISION MAKING
• DELAY
• DOCTRINE
• DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING
• ESTIMATES
• FIELD ARMY
• FIREPOWER
• LAND MINE WARFARE
• LAND WARFARE
• RATINGS
• TACTICAL ANALYSIS
• TERRAIN
• THESES
• TRADE OFF ANALYSIS
• WEAPON SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS

Subject Categories:

• Land Mine Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE