Stealthy River Navigation in Jungle Combat Conditions

One of the biggest challenges for Brazilian military logisticians is to support effective jungle warfare for both real and training operations carried out by their combat forces in the Amazonian region. The jungle\u27s heat, humidity, and dense vegetation put significant demands on the supply chain. Further, because of the difficulties of land or air transportation, water transport is the most reasonable transportation option to sustain these deployed forces. Planners must select from among the available watercourses those whose surroundings provide stealthy navigation to the combat force location where the requested supplies can be safely unloaded. We seek a method of determining a path through a river network that blends short transit times with maximal shade coverage from forest growth along the riverbanks. We combine an astronomical algorithm for computing shadow coverage with Dijkstra\u27s shortest path algorithm to determine the start time and routing information necessary for a supply boat to travel from a depot to a resupply point that minimizes weighted risk, which is defined as the product of shade coverage and arc transit time

LOGISTICS IN CONTESTED ENVIRONMENTS

This report examines the transport and delivery of logistics in contested environments within the context of great-power competition (GPC). Across the Department of Defense (DOD), it is believed that GPC will strain our current supply lines beyond their capacity to maintain required warfighting capability. Current DOD efforts are underway to determine an appropriate range of platforms, platform quantities, and delivery tactics to meet the projected logistics demand in future conflicts. This report explores the effectiveness of various platforms and delivery methods through analysis in developed survivability, circulation, and network optimization models. Among other factors, platforms are discriminated by their radar cross-section (RCS), noise level, speed, cargo capacity, and self-defense capability. To maximize supply delivered and minimize the cost of losses, the results of this analysis indicate preference for utilization of well-defended convoys on supply routes where bulk supply is appropriate and smaller, and widely dispersed assets on shorter, more contested routes with less demand. Sensitivity analysis on these results indicates system survivability can be improved by applying RCS and noise-reduction measures to logistics assets.Director, Warfare Integration (OPNAV N9I)Major, Israel Defence ForcesCivilian, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd, SingaporeCommander, Republic of Singapore NavyCommander, United States NavyCaptain, Singapore ArmyLieutenant, United States NavyLieutenant, United States NavyMajor, Republic of Singapore Air ForceCaptain, United States Marine CorpsLieutenant, United States NavyLieutenant, United States NavyLieutenant, United States NavyLieutenant, United States NavyLieutenant, United States NavyCaptain, Singapore ArmyLieutenant Junior Grade, United States NavyCaptain, Singapore ArmyLieutenant Colonel, Republic of Singapore Air ForceApproved for public release. distribution is unlimite

Susceptibility Modeling and Mission Flight Route Optimization in a Low Threat, Combat Environment

Movement and transportation systems are a primary topic in the study of humans and their relationship with the environment. Only a few modes of transportation allow for nearly full freedom of movement that is unconstrained by rigid nodes and networks. Individual human travel (walking, climbing, swimming, etc.) is one example while rotorcraft travel is another. Although other criteria constrain movement, independence from a network allows for a unique examination of human spatial decision-making and choice behavior. This research analyzes helicopter flight route planning in a low threat combat environment with respect to geography. The particular problem addressed, which ultimately concerns the quantitative representation and mapping of helicopter susceptibility in a low threat, combat environment, is assisted by a Geographic Information System (GIS). Prior susceptibility research on helicopters is combined with the spatial analytical functions of a GIS to cartographically model three dimensional flight corridors and routes across four separate areas. GIS optimized flight routing plans that minimize helicopter susceptibility (maximize capability to avoid threats) are then compared to the conventional routes produced by human flight route planners using existing techniques. Findings indicate that although the GIS routes reduce susceptibility costs, they concomitantly decrease route diversity. There was no significant evidence that experience, expertise, landscape familiarity, age, or the amount of time taken to plan had any effect on the spatial character of the routes. Several spatial similarities between conventionally planned routes and GIS optimized routes were revealed that expose potential perceptual limitations imposed by the conventional flight planning paradigm. Implementation of geospatial technology could help eliminate these restrictions

Development of UCAV fleet autonomy by reinforcement learning in a wargame simulation environment

In this study, we develop a machine learning based fleet autonomy for Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) utilizing a synthetic simulation-based wargame environment. Aircraft survivability is modeled as Markov processes. Mission success metrics are developed to introduce collision avoidance and survival probability of the fleet. Flight path planning is performed utilizing the proximal policy optimization (PPO) based reinforcement learning method to obtain attack patterns with a multi-objective mission success criteria corresponding to the mission success metrics. Performance of the proposed system is evaluated by utilizing the Monte Carlo analysis in which a wider initial position interval is used when compared to the defined interval in the training phase. This provides a preliminary insight about the generalization ability of the RL agen

Medical planning for military operations other then [i.e. than] war: Is a paradigm shift required?

Military operations other than war are increasing in frequency and, as one might surmise present unique challenges to the operational commander and the medical planner. Over time and by necessity the U.S. military has developed a logistical support system with unprecedented capability. This logistical system includes a medical system that is increasingly called upon to provide care to people outside the normal scope. Increased participation means Navy assets will be tasked to provide care to U.S. troops, U.N. troops, multinational troops, NGO personnel, and the civilians that precipitated the need for intervention in the first place. The current planning paradigm is rightfully focused on combat support. This thesis will investigate the necessity of breaking away from that paradigm when planning MOOTW.http://archive.org/details/medicalplanningf109459791Lieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Cognitively Sensitive User Interface for Command and Control Applications

While there are broad guidelines for display or user interface design, creating effective human-computer interfaces for complex, dynamic systems control is challenging. Ad hoc approaches which consider the human as an afterthought are limiting. This research proposed a systematic approach to human / computer interface design that focuses on both the semantic and syntactic aspects of display design in the context of human-in-the-loop supervisory control of intelligent, autonomous multi-agent simulated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A systematic way to understand what needs to be displayed, how it should be displayed, and how the integrated system needs to be assessed is outlined through a combination of concepts from naturalistic decision making, semiotic analysis, and situational awareness literature. A new sprocket-based design was designed and evaluated in this research. For the practical designer, this research developed a systematic, iterative design process: design using cognitive sensitive principles, test the new interface in a laboratory situation; bring in subject matter experts to examine the interface in isolation; and finally, incorporate the resulting feedback into a full-size simulation. At each one of these steps, the operator, the engineer and the designer reexamined the results

Aeronautical Engineering: A special bibliography with indexes, supplement 69

This bibliography lists 305 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in March 1976

System importance measures: A new approach to resilient systems-of-systems

Resilience is the ability to withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. While this attribute has been the focus of research in several fields, in the case of system-of-systems (SoSs), addressing resilience is particularly interesting and challenging. As infrastructure SoSs, such as power, transportation, and communication networks, grow in complexity and interconnectivity, measuring and improving the resilience of these SoSs is vital in terms of safety and providing uninterrupted services. ^ The characteristics of systems-of-systems make analysis and design of resilience challenging. However, these features also offer opportunities to make SoSs resilient using unconventional methods. In this research, we present a new approach to the process of resilience design. The core idea behind the proposed design process is a set of system importance measures (SIMs) that identify systems crucial to overall resilience. Using the results from the SIMs, we determine appropriate strategies from a list of design principles to improve SoS resilience. The main contribution of this research is the development of an aid to design that provides specific guidance on where and how resources need to be targeted. Based on the needs of an SoS, decision-makers can iterate through the design process to identify a set of practical and effective design improvements. ^ We use two case studies to demonstrate how the SIM-based design process can inform decision-making in the context of SoS resilience. The first case study focuses on a naval warfare SoS and describes how the resilience framework can leverage existing simulation models to support end-to-end design. We proceed through stages of the design approach using an agent-based model (ABM) that enables us to demonstrate how simulation tools and analytical models help determine the necessary inputs for the design process and, subsequently, inform decision-making regarding SoS resilience. ^ The second case study considers the urban transportation network in Boston. This case study focuses on interpreting the results of the resilience framework and on describing how they can be used to guide design choices in large infrastructure networks. We use different resilience maps to highlight the range of design-related information that can be obtained from the framework. ^ Specific advantages of the SIM-based resilience design include: (1) incorporates SoS- specific features within existing risk-based design processes - the SIMs determine the relative importance of different systems based on their impacts on SoS-level performance, and suggestions for resilience improvement draw from design options that leverage SoS- specific characteristics, such as the ability to adapt quickly (such as add new systems or re-task existing ones) and to provide partial recovery of performance in the aftermath of a disruption; (2) allows rapid understanding of different areas of concern within the SoS - the visual nature of the resilience map (a key outcome of the SIM analysis) provides a useful way to summarize the current resilience of the SoS as well as point to key systems of concern; and (3) provides a platform for multiple analysts and decision- makers to study, modify, discuss and documentoptions for SoS

Strengthening the deterrence and defense posture of the Baltic States: the value of allied airpower in supporting NATO’s reinforcement in a contested environment

NATO’s decision to set up the eFP battlegroups in 2016 was a major achievement, however, it is only a tripwire force, and the Alliance relies heavily on rapid reinforcement in times of crisis. Airpower is a potent tool to support rapid reinforcement, but the geography of the Baltic Sea region severely limits NATO’s operational depth which is necessary for air operations. NATO’s ability for (rapid) reinforcement of its Eastern flank by air, sea, and land, is further challenged by Russia’s anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) capability. By implementing its A2/AD capability, Russia actively challenges and mitigates NATO’s deterrence posture. Currently, the Baltic States possess short-range missile air defense capability with a very limited range. While a very important part of NATO’s peacetime activities, the Baltic Air Policing Mission has limited rules of engagement (RoE) and does not prepare NATO for providing air defense for some of its most vulnerable Allies on the Eastern flank of the Alliance. This thesis relies on existing literature and twenty expert interviews to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the complex issue of using airpower to strengthen the deterrence and defense posture of NATO in the Baltic States. The main findings of the research are that (1) the concept of A2/AD and its impact for deterrence is not well understood and this makes it difficult to address it; (2) There is no common understanding among the experts what a transition from Baltic Air Policing to air defense would mean; and (3) the importance of the Baltic States collectively taking the initiative in the air defense realm is currently understated. Gaining a better understanding of the contested environment presented by Russia, forging a common perception of the range of (airpower) measures that NATO has available, and exercising rapid reinforcement exercises in a joint environment could help the Alliance strengthen its deterrence and defense posture in the Baltic States. It is important that this would be done while preserving NATO’s most valuable asset – the unity of the Alliance.http://www.ester.ee/record=b5145928*es