The force-oriented defense: an expected-value approach.

Abstract

As a first step in the testing of the feasibility of the FORCEORIENTED DEFENSE as a viable tactic for countering the large force imbalance in Western Europe, a small-unit, base-case scenario is quantitatively examined through the medium of a manual war game. A "Monte Carlo" type manual game v/as developed and used to refine model logic for a subsequent investigation with an expected-value manual game. This work generates the basis for a possible high resolution simulation of the FORCE- ORIENTED DEFENSE. To satisfy secondary objectives of the study, fractional kills were tabulated to determine first approximations of armor/antiarmor force exchange ratios and weapon system fractional loss rates. The specific scenario involved a reinforced mechanized infantry platoon ambushing the first echelon units of a tank- reinforced motorized rifle battalion.http://archive.org/details/theforceoriented1094516625Captain, United States ArmyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited