The military production function

This article analyzes three methods of estimating the military production function which relates military inputs to a measure of military effectiveness. The econometric military production function employs historical data to estimate the relationship between inputs and military effectiveness. A production function estimated during the Vietnam War is provided as an example. The response-surface military production summarizes the input and output data of a large-scale military operations research model. This method is illustrated using a model that links maintenance manpower to aircraft sorties. The technological military production function is derived from underlying technological relationships.Military production function, Cost-effectiveness analysis, Interdiction, Response surface methodology, Isoquants,