INCORPORATING RADIO FREQUENCY MESH NETWORKS TO LINK LIVE, VIRTUAL, CONSTRUCTIVE TRAINING

Given the importance of modeling and simulation (M&S) for creating realistic training environments and employing or developing tactical systems for warfighters, the Department of Defense is turning toward live, virtual, constructive (LVC) simulations as a means to prepare and equip our military for the next war. M&S offers a unique competency for modeling emergent enemy behaviors in constructive simulations on virtual battlefields across the globe. Transferring these dynamic tactical actions to live command and control (C2) systems used during training can create decision-making opportunities for distributed units to react to and act upon. The research conducted in this thesis assessed, developed, and implemented an appropriate LVC environment that can be used in training for tactical convoy operations in the Marine Corps. We developed a robust mesh network connected to a personal computer running a constructive simulation to create dynamic tracks on handheld, Android-based C2 systems. Using low-bandwidth radios to create the network, we were able to create a rich, tactically realistic training environment while minimally increasing the combat load of our Marines. The system we created has the same functionality of the blue force tracker (BFT). Because the BFT is no longer funded, we recommend the LVC solution we created for this thesis as a potential replacement with embedded training capabilities.Captain, United States Marine CorpsApproved for public release. distribution is unlimite

APPLICATIONS AND SUITABILITY OF RENEWABLE AND HYBRID POWER SYSTEMS FOR REMOTE DISTRIBUTED SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND U.S. MARINE CORPS EXPEDITIONARY FORCES IN CONTESTED ENVIRONMENTS

Expeditionary forces are overwhelmingly reliant on diesel generators to sustain mission-critical command, control, communications, computers, combat systems intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C5ISR) and life support systems on small- to medium-sized tactical power grids. This reliance presents significant logistics and maintenance challenges when employed in support of remote Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Marine Corps expeditionary operations in contested environments. The primary objective of the research is to measure the effectiveness of current or near-to-market energy storage and photovoltaic (PV) charging solutions to augment or replace diesel fuel power generators in support of expeditionary military operations. The secondary objective is to measure the impact of running these energy storage and charging solutions in tandem with diesel fuel generators on a unit’s fuel consumption, particularly the effect on existing fuel resupply schedules. This research concludes that existing and near-to-market renewable energy systems can effectively integrate with tactical diesel generators and produce enough energy to meet a substantial portion of the energy required in support of expeditionary operations in remote locations.Civilian, Department of the NavyCommander, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

A DECISION PROCESS FOR SURFACE MEDICAL EVACUATION ROUTING UNDER ADVERSARY THREAT AND UNCERTAIN DEMAND USING ONLINE OPTIMIZATION

Emerging threats have focused U.S. Navy operating concepts on agile, distributed tactical forces in the littoral and maritime zones. Given the nature of the threat and its location, medical evacuation via air may be infeasible due to hostile conditions or distance, requiring a shift to a surface or subsurface strategy. Medical demand and adversary actions are unpredictable in warfare, therefore a decision process for routing that accounts for uncertainty is required. Using the principles of the U.S. Marine Corps Rapid Response Planning Process and online optimization, we propose a decision process for surface medical evacuation routing against an adversary given uncertain demand that can be applied to manned and autonomous transport operations. We showcase the computational tractability of the decision process by developing an algorithm to route a medical transport through a network then implement the algorithm as a simulation model in Python. The base case of the model is compared to two modified cases under perfect information to discuss the risks of modeling with inappropriate assumptions. Multiple runs of the simulation model are then used to propose a process to develop a distance multiplier to estimate the impact of adversary presence in existing simulation models without a complete re-design.Outstanding ThesisLieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

Implication of FORCEnet on coalition forces

The coalition navies of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States (AUSCANNZUKUS) are in a period of transformation. They are stepping out of the Industrial Age of warfare and into the Informational Age of warfare. Network Centric Warfare (NCW) is the emerging theory to accomplish this undertaking. NCW describes "the combination of strategies, emerging tactics, techniques, and procedures, and organizations that a fully or even partially networked force can employ to create a decisive war fighting advantage." 1 This theory is turned into a concept through Network Centric Operations (NCO) and implemented through the FORCEnet operational construct and architectural framework. The coalition navies are moving in a direction to develop and leverage information more effectively and efficiently. This will lead to an informational advantage that can be used as a combat multiplier to shape and control the environment, so as to dissuade, deter, and decisively defeat any enemy. This analysis was comprised of defining three TTCP AG-6 provided vignettes into ARENA model that captured Coalition ESG configurations at various FORCEnet levels. The results of the analysis demonstrated that enhanced FORCEnet capabilities such as FORCEnet Levels 2 and 4 would satisfy the capability gap for a needed network-centric ESG force that can effectively counter insurgency operations in Maritime warfare. Furthermore, the participating allied navies in the Coalition ESG should pursue acquisition strategies to upgrade their ship platforms in accordance with our recommendation which indicates that FORCEnet Level 2 is the best value.http://archive.org/details/implicationoffor109456926N

Automated CPX support system preliminary design phase

The development of the Distributed Command and Control System (DCCS) is discussed. The development of an automated C2 system stimulated the development of an automated command post exercise (CPX) support system to provide a more realistic stimulus to DCCS than could be achieved with the existing manual system. An automated CPX system to support corps-level exercise was designed. The effort comprised four tasks: (1) collecting and documenting user requirements; (2) developing a preliminary system design; (3) defining a program plan; and (4) evaluating the suitability of the TRASANA FOURCE computer model

Energy Academic Group Compilation of Abstracts 2012-2016

This report highlights the breadth of energy-related student research at NPS and reinforces the importance of energy as an integral aspect of today's Naval enterprise. The abstracts provided are from theses and a capstone project report completed by December 2012-March 2016 graduates.http://archive.org/details/energyacademicgr109454991

An Evaluation of the Organizational Structure of Air Force Emergency Operations Centers Using Social Network Analysis and Design Structure Matrices

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 demonstrated that the United States\u27 emergency response capability, while robust, was disorganized in that organizations were not prepared or equipped to coordinate response actions across multiple agencies at a national level. This research investigates whether NIMS and the AFIMS structure is optimal for Air Force emergency managers, or whether, while maintaining NIMS compliance, there is a more effective way for the Air Force to organize its emergency management and response forces. Specifically this research focuses on the organization of the EOC and investigates whether shifting from the current structure of the ESFs to the FLOP structure found in the ICS may be a more efficient use of personnel based on the organizational requirements of the Air Force. This research will employ DSMs to independently evaluate the merits of both the ESF and FLOP construct for specific scenarios based on the tasks outlined in the Air Force\u27s CEMP 10-2. For seven of the eight scenarios examined, ESFs are reaching less than 60% capacity, in fact, most only reach 30% capacity or below. On the other hand, FLOP capacity is significantly increased, however, in some of the more demanding scenarios, capacities exceed more than 100%

The outlook for aeronautics, 1980 - 2000: Executive summary

For abstract, see N76-20062

Simulation Evaluation of the Combat Value of a Standoff Precision Airdrop Capability

This project is a simulation evaluation of the developmental standoff precision airdrop (SOPAD) capability. SOPAD is a new technology under consideration to deliver supplies to forward-deployed units using either a semi-rigid wing or a guided parafoil. These delivery systems allow airdrop of supplies from altitudes of 25,000 feet and distances 25 miles from the delivery point. Using global positioning system guidance, on board navigational computers, and automatic steering mechanisms, the delivery system flies to the target following a designated flight plan. The concept includes delivering supplies to remote and potentially hostile areas without endangering the supply aircraft. In addition, supplies can be delivered to multiple locations from a single aircraft. The Air Force\u27s THUNDER model was used to simulate the SOPAD capability and observe the impact in the simulated combat environment. The scenario places a light infantry brigade in a position where supply by ground is prohibited due to terrain limitations and it must hold its position until relief forces are available. The unit must fight for a one-week period being resupplied only through airdrop. The results of the simulation are measured through aircraft attrition, unit strength, forward line of troops movement, and the supplies delivered to the unit