System Architecture for the Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) Soldier System.

This thesis is based on proposing a system architecture for the Army Special Operations Forces ARSOF soldier. This system architecture will be based on object orientation and include Quality of Life QOL and Base Operations BASOPS programs integrated into the system architecture. The primary focus for this thesis is to propose a method or architecture to portray the ARSOF soldier as a system so that it can adequately compete against other weapon systems. The second reason is to identify and prioritize those functions and material which have an effect on the soldier and his mission accomplishment. It is a concern that the ARSOF soldier is being left out of the acquisition process because it is not perceived as a weapon system. This leaves the soldier vulnerable to inadequate funding which ultimately results in an ill-equipped and degraded capability for accomplishing present and future missions. USASOC wants to include not only material systems as part of the ARSOF soldier but also other intangible issues such as quality of life systems and base operations systems which have an effect on the ARSOF soldiers combat effectiveness. Army Special Operations requires specially trained soldiers and unique equipment that is not utilized by conventional forces. This system architecture will take special requirements into account. If the Army Special Operations soldier can be portrayed as a system, USASOC wants to determine how much of that system it has control or influence over, and how much it does not.