Search

The emerging commercial technologies of 5G and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications have the capability to provide links that send large amounts of data with low latency. As the DOD continues to explore how to best leverage these technologies, it is important to develop potential use cases within the military. This thesis describes a sensor-to-shooter operational scenario and the network transport links currently in use to move data from a Navy sensor to an Army shooter. The current sensor-to-shooter network transport links are then compared to the emerging commercial alternatives of 5G and LEO satellite communications in the categories of throughput, latency and range. This analysis demonstrates the comparative advantages and disadvantages of both 5G and LEO technologies over current links., Captain, United States Army, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

The aim of this study was to quantitatively analyze the introduction and use of resilience interventions with the USMC Connect application in order to develop possible structured ways to introduce consistent resilience training to the Marines, while also examining USMC Connect’s effectiveness in individuals learning its material. Four USMC Reserve units participated in the field study. One unit received resilience interventions in the form of regular nudge or push notifications which appeared on their phones like a text message. Another had access to the mobile application but did not have nudge notifications for interventions from the researchers. A third group served as a control group and did not have access to the application. The fourth control group did not receive access to the application but received resilience interventions. Each group was assessed for resilience and other factors before and after the intervention period. Measures of resilience and other related instruments were used to assess changes in resilience and what we expect affects those changes. However, due to low participation in the second survey, the study turned to reporting and analyzing resilience scores from each unit’s initial survey results to examine resilience measurements and its associated key factors.

As organizations expand their information technology (IT) infrastructure, the task of properly managing third-party software licenses becomes increasingly challenging. To better manage this problem, it is critical to understand the underlying need for licenses, identify effective IT governance policies, and determine capable software discovery tools. Through a series of interviews with experts working in the fields of IT and asset management, the best practices and policies currently in effect were explored to determine how a large enterprise should approach software license management (SLM). Findings indicated that while technological solutions can assist with providing awareness of what exists on an organization's network architecture, they are overall insufficient in improving SLM across multiple networks. Enterprises must consider those factors that increase the risk for individuals to use unauthorized software or circumvent license agreements. Through managing these risk factors and applying more radical methods such as introducing software auditing teams or delegating SLM responsibility altogether, enterprises may find themselves more readily capable of avoiding the legal and financial costs of breaching software license agreements.

Potential and current U.S. adversaries are purchasing and deploying commercial small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) in networked swarms. These swarms can be used for intelligence collection and reconnaissance, and have the potential to be weaponized as well. Additionally, the unlawful, but probably not malicious, activity of civilian UAS (drone) operators is of increasing concern. More specifically, there is increased risk to naval assets while in constrained environments, such as harbor transit, where both navigation and weaponized responses are serious concerns. This thesis uses the scenario of protecting a U.S. Navy destroyer entering and exiting a harbor to develop a sUAS mitigation procedure based on existing firefighting and counter-piracy technologies. The proposed procedure includes a communications plan and can be implemented almost immediately using existing civilian and military assets. Additional recommendations to improve the performance of such procedures are provided., CRUSAR, RRTO, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

The Navy is in the process of implementing Ready Relevant Learning and looking at technology solutions to deliver modern training capabilities anytime and anywhere. Mobile learning is a practical option for Ready Relevant Learning. To support the Navy initiatives, we conducted a qualitative study to answer the following research questions: (1) Under what conditions will implementing mobile learning technologies provide the most value? (2) What are the requirements for delivering educational value to Navy users of mobile learning? (3) What are the pros and cons for Navy users of personal versus government-issued mobile learning devices? (4) How can Navy leaders select suitable options and deliver mobile learning? We conducted 13 semi-structured interviews of Navy active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel across ranks and job communities to answer our research questions. We found that most participants were interested in mobile learning. Still, their acceptance of mobile learning technologies is dependent on their assessment of perceived ease of use of the technology and perceived usefulness to job performance. Additionally, we found that participants’ device preferences were context-of-use dependent. Therefore, we recommend further evaluation of user requirements and to operationalize and test the usability factors identified to implement best practices for mobile learning., NPS Naval Research Program, This project was funded in part by the NPS Naval Research Program., Outstanding Thesis, Major, United States Army, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

The MHS GENESIS electronic health record software purchased by the Defense Health Agency is not interoperable with the healthcare managed organizations network of care. Twenty percent of all specialty care health records are not returned to the medical treatment facility. This represents a significant loss of health records, a potential loss in medical readiness, as well as the ability to deploy. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate if the market-comparable electronic health record retrieved health records better than MHS GENESIS. The hypothesis H1: MyChart electronic health record is more interoperable, making it more accurate than the MHS GENESIS electronic health record. H2: Changes to the Defense Health Agency’s health record policy will make MHS GENESIS more interoperable. The research design was a mixed-method approach. The comparative analysis of interoperability between MyChart software and MHS GENESIS software used nominal, ordinal, and interval-based methods to calculate results. The research design used for the qualitative analysis section was based on the Qualtrics XM software’s word cloud. MHS GENESIS is capable of interoperating with HMO providers, but it is limited by DHA’s health record policy. The survey revealed beneficiaries are concerned with the accuracy and accessibility of a complete interoperable system. Due to limited technical knowledge of MyChart and MHS GENESIS, we recommend study of MHS GENESIS within the large MTF multi-market regions., Lieutenant, United States Navy, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Digital twins have the potential to support the decision-makers that design, build, operate, and maintain the platforms that the Department of the Navy (DON) relies upon to conduct naval operations. However, the thin body of knowledge on digital twins presents a challenge for the DON as the range of applications and risks associated with onboarding digital twins are still unclear. This thesis conducts a qualitative technology assessment to determine the effects that adopting digital twins has on the DON’s enterprise architecture. Analysis of an enterprise-wide adoption identifies opportunities and risks of digital twins within the context of the DON’s strategy, processes, people, technology, cyber security, and risk management. The business value provided by digital twins is principally dependent upon the aggregate risk value of the physical platform and the fidelity and frequency of the digital twin’s synchronizations., Captain, United States Marine Corps, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Preservation of the life of combat casualties is the premier responsibility of U.S. military health services. With advancing warfighting capabilities, the theater in which battles are fought has transcended a plethora of austere environments, thus creating the implicit need to advance lifesaving medical capabilities and ensure the highest level of health care possible. Static medical treatment facilities have employed telemedical capabilities in the form of precise, remotely controlled robotics to extend not only the distance of which health care can be given, but also reduce the time in which specialized care can be rendered. Robotic surgeries are performed by medical providers who are dependent on secured network capabilities to provide the best connectivity and response available during these sensitive procedures. The networking ability to support telemedicine and telesurgeries is important because it will determine where and how robotic surgeries can be utilized. This thesis will examine control of telemedicine surgical capabilities of the Taurus-M type, which are capable of supporting real-time delay and accuracy-sensitive telesurgery operations, but require robust, fast-response networking capabilities. This research will aid in beginning to understand how anticipated network degradation in austere environments limits the ability to perform tasks and serve as a force multiplier in military medicine.

In this case study, the researcher investigates applying the community of practice (CoP) principles to the U.S. Navy Full-Time Support officers’ community serving in the IT Track (FTS-IT). This study shows how implementing CoP will improve the collaboration, training, and development of the members of the FTS-IT. This study follows a strict qualitative approach; therefore, the data collected were based on the theoretical foundations of the CoP and interviews. The participants were selected using purposive sampling methodology from a group of experts in IT and talent management. The purposive sampling methodology used in this study is non-random, and the selection of participants depends on the quality of knowledge they would provide to enrich the research depth and breadth. The interviews were in the form of open-ended questions and directed in a conversational style. The CoP model suggested in this study should not be regarded as a mere outcome; it is recommended to serve as the FTS-IT community’s means to help its members develop, train, mentor, and network. Furthermore, the proposed CoP model is supported by virtual platforms and technologies to ensure capturing, storing, and transferring knowledge among the FTS-IT members.

The use of social media has been growing every year since its inception. With that, individuals, organizations, businesses, and nations have created clever ways to spread messages to large audiences; however, in the last decade, those same entities have begun utilizing social media to spread false narratives that fit their agenda. Using Tweets and memes, non-state and state actors have successfully influenced elections, incited riots, and increased membership. Current academic research does not describe who is most susceptible to this new type of information disorder. For that reason, the experiment detailed in this thesis was designed to aid information environment researchers in identifying groups that are most susceptible to information disorder; when conducted, it will reveal correlations between the acceptance and propagation of false information spread through Tweets and memes and the age group, gender, and education level of those most likely to interact with the false information. Once complete, defensive and offensive measures can be put in place by individuals, organizations, businesses, and nations to defend or attack the most at-risk groups., Captain, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Advancements in technology have accelerated the utilization of unmanned systems, which has led to an increased adoption rate of military human-machine teams. This study explored human reliance on automation in the context of stress, motivation, and automation reliability. A laboratory experiment was conducted with participants who were exposed to either a high- or low-stress condition and motivation or non-motivation condition. The participants executed a series of tasks alongside two automated decision aids that differed in reliability, and their decision on whether or not to rely on the decision aids was the measure of interest. The results indicate that the aid’s reliability was the primary driver for reliance decisions such that the participants relied on the high-reliability aid more than on the low-reliability aid. The aid’s reliability also affected the participants’ reaction times, such that they made decisions with the high-reliability aid faster than with the low-reliability aid. Finally, motivation had a significant effect on reliance decisions of the male participants such that in the stress condition, and when they were motivated, males relied on the decision aids more than when they were not motivated. More research is needed to fully understand the effects investigated in this experiment, and future studies should include a larger female population to allow for exploration of gender differences., Outstanding Thesis, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

The Marine Corps Consolidated Memorandum Receipt (CMR) is the method that is used to keep accountability of assets that are owned by the Marine Corps. Over a fiscal year (October–September), Responsible Officers focus their efforts on manual asset accountability at a minimum of once every quarter. This method of by-hand accountability is labor- and time-intensive. This additional time and labor saps valuable time that could be spent on training and refining critical warfighting skills. This thesis models the current CMR process model (As-Is) and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enhanced process model (To-Be) utilizing Savvion business process modeling software. The output of this modeling is used to feed a Monte Carlo simulation, which is then analyzed in terms of time and cost. The researchers demonstrate that there are potential benefits to be gained if the Marine Corps adopted an RFID-enhanced process model. The RFID-enhanced process model has the potential to be fifteen times more efficient than the As-Is process model in terms of time. These efficiencies lead to a labor-hour cost savings of approximately $31,000 per instance of implementation when considering a communications company CMR of 770 items. The researchers recommend that physical trials be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the use of RFID technology in the CMR accountability process., Major, United States Marine Corps, Major, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Reissued 03 Jan 2022 to update keywords., The United States Marine Corps continues to develop Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) as the future operating model in the Pacific. EABO will employ Marines using widely dispersed, low profile, highly potent, and tightly integrated Navy and Marine Corps teams. This operating model challenges the Marine Corps’ ability to command and control due to inherent resource limitations, long communication ranges, and the enemy’s ability to detect, intercept, and interfere in the electromagnetic spectrum. This study sought to evaluate bursty-signal mesh network (BSMN) technology as a potential solution to these problems. The technology’s suitability was evaluated through a comparison of the character of command and control in EABO (established through qualitative case study analysis of recent EABO exercises) against the characteristics of BSMN technology (established through quantitative modeling analysis). Finally, the viability of acquiring and fielding the technology was evaluated through a quantitative financial analysis. Though the researchers recommend further study, they conclude that BSMN technology’s long-range, stealth, and low-power capabilities are well suited for communication at-and-below the regimental level. Further, researchers conclude that the technology is viable to acquire and field, with a price point far below other long-range communication assets (i.e., satellite communication) currently in use., Major, United States Marine Corps, Major, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

This research analyzes the Commandant of the Marine Corps' proposed changes to the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score required for enlistment within the Marine Corps. The proposed change includes raising the minimum AFQT score standard from 32 to 40. This research utilized a logistic regression model to assist in identifying potential effects on the retention of first term Marines. It was identified that AFQT scores have a negative relationship to the probability of a first term Marine submitting for reenlistment, thus, increasing the minimum AFQT score standard for enlistment has the potential to negatively impact the retention of first term Marines., Captain, United States Marine Corps, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

The effectiveness of a defense enterprise network can be directly related to that network’s consistent availability and resiliency against incidents resulting in the degradation of systems and services. The 2012 Department of Defense’s (DOD) Information Enterprise Architecture version 2.0 reinforced this concept by identifying that enterprise-wide access to network services and network optimization were two of the most vital aspects of an effective enterprise network. Additionally, the 2017 National Security Strategy (NSS) identified the requirement to improve the resiliency of federal enterprise networks. The NSS recognized that the DOD must utilize the private sector’s latest applications and techniques to improve the DOD’s ability to provide uninterrupted secure network services. Lichtenthaler’s 2018 qualitative study in Journal of Strategy and Management concluded that many of the world’s most innovative companies resided in the United States. The DOD may stand to benefit by collaborating with U.S. private industry to identify network incident response tools, services, and operating procedures to accomplish the effective management, monitoring, and security of defense enterprise networks. The intellectual capacity of private industry must be leveraged through public and private cooperation to enhance the DOD’s ability to successfully respond to the multitude of adverse events that negatively impact defense enterprise networks., http://archive.org/details/enhancingdefense1094567815, Outstanding Thesis, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Major, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

The Navy is in the process of implementing Ready Relevant Learning and looking at technology solutions to deliver modern training capabilities anytime and anywhere. Mobile learning is a practical option for Ready Relevant Learning. To support the Navy initiatives, we conducted a qualitative study to answer the following research questions: (1) Under what conditions will implementing mobile learning technologies provide the most value? (2) What are the requirements for delivering educational value to Navy users of mobile learning? (3) What are the pros and cons for Navy users of personal versus government-issued mobile learning devices? (4) How can Navy leaders select suitable options and deliver mobile learning? We conducted 13 semi-structured interviews of Navy active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel across ranks and job communities to answer our research questions. We found that most participants were interested in mobile learning. Still, their acceptance of mobile learning technologies is dependent on their assessment of perceived ease of use of the technology and perceived usefulness to job performance. Additionally, we found that participants’ device preferences were context-of-use dependent. Therefore, we recommend further evaluation of user requirements and to operationalize and test the usability factors identified to implement best practices for mobile learning.

The military's identification of an information environment that is somehow separate from the traditional operational environment has created organization, theoretical, and philosophical schisms in how we think about military operations. This divide has resulted in recognized gaps and overlaps in how the military plans and executes operations; basically, although still highly effective, the military is recognizing that they are becoming highly inefficient in blending information (non-kinetic) options with traditional (kinetic) options. This research is designed to help identify the gaps and overlaps in planning and employment of non-kinetic and kinetic approaches to reaching operational objectives. The intent is to independently analyze behavioral objectives based on mission sets and the means by which they may be achieved. The use of kinetic weapons and projectiles is well understood among military planners, therefore this means-analysis will focus on the extensive number of options available that function via the phenomenon of information (i.e., non-kinetic delivery.). The results will be a matrix of options for matching means-to-objectives that will help inform operational planners in developing effective and efficient allocation of resources.

The medical staff of the Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for effective, efficient, and quality care of more than 10 million beneficiaries. They provide medical support during military operations and maintain the health of the troops who are part of the United States fighting forces. Because of the size, complexity, and mission associated with each branch of service, DOD allows each branch to have a medical service head. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health each have their own surgeon general, who serves as the top-ranking officer for the medical department of those respective services. In 2013, under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Defense Health Agency (DHA) was formed to streamline and coordinate medical services for DOD. Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC) from the battlefield have seen significant advances over the past 50 years; however, with the advancement in technology such as telemedicine, improved collaborative tools can be implemented to enhance the “Golden Hour” and provide better quality of care for troops on the battlefield. Additionally, the military has served as supplemental support for emergency response during disasters in the United States. Dynamics of disasters, emergencies, and warfare have turned anything but conventional over the past 20 years. This change calls for a more efficient and effective process for emergency preparedness in the DOD., Lieutenant, United States Navy, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited

Recruiting duty is considered to be one of the most challenging billets within the Marine Corps, and Marines will endure great personal hardship to succeed in accomplishing their mission. A subset of this mission is to recruit applicants for the Marine Corps field bands via the Musician Enlistment Option Program (MEOP). This portion of the recruiting mission is considered one of the most difficult to accomplish. It is also the only mission within Marine Corps enlisted recruiting that requires an exclusively tested skill prior to enlisting. Understanding the demographics of this population is key to the Marine Corps effectively targeting its manpower and advertising resources to recruit well-qualified individuals to serve as Marine musicians. Utilizing data management and software analysis techniques, this study examines those previously recruited via the MEOP by mining historical data obtained from the Marine Corps Recruiting Information Support System (MCRISS). It quantitatively describes the population and identifies significant demographic shifts. After identifying statistically relevant changes, this study provides recommendations on how to improve the MEOP recruiting process for greater effectiveness and efficiency. This study’s approach and methodology may be applied to future populations of interest with pre-existing special knowledge, skills, and abilities., Marine Corps Recruiting Command, Outstanding Thesis, Major, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited

The concept of combining computers, sensors, and systems to monitor and control gadgets has been around for decades; however, the Internet of Things (IoT) was not born until a few years ago. The IoT, which is an omnipresent cluster of devices bound to the Internet, has, on a fundamental level, altered the way the public thinks about what it implies to be online. The IoT, which guarantees a progressive, completely interconnected “smart” world with connections between objects and their environment and objects and people, is becoming more firmly interlaced in the global sphere. While the potential benefits are numerous, some challenges may yet stand in the way of broader adoption of the IoT. This thesis examines a few of the issues related to the IoT. It also examines the significance of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and why PKI should be considered the key to solving the security, privacy, and authenticating risks of the IoT.

The Department of Defense (DOD) and its components have been pushing to consolidate their information technology infrastructure in order to reduce cost and waste of unused resources and increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and security of the infrastructure. Technology Services Organization (TSO), a Marine Corps unit, recently migrated its software development environment from the Marine Corps Worldwide (MCW) network to the Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN), where software development is restrictive. Now TSO is setting its sights on optimizing its development process and eventually transitioning to DevSecOps and the cloud. This case study explored the software development methodology and environments of similar organizations within the DOD and examined how TSO might improve software development performance metrics and proceed to a DevSecOps environment. Two of the three organizations interviewed employ agile and pseudo-agile methodologies, and the third is in the process of transitioning to DevSecOps. Organizations familiar with agile methodologies are best suited for the transition but will still face challenges. Management and DevSecOps teams can overcome these challenges by focusing on their people, processes, and tools.

Although information technology has improved our living standards, it has also provided criminals new ways to commit crime. Digital crime includes identity theft, online piracy, hacking, and terrorism. For combating digital crime, new techniques and tools emerge frequently in digital forensics. On the opposite side, cyber-criminals develop counter-techniques called anti-forensics, which aim to disrupt or manipulate forensic analysis of crime. This thesis investigated the effectiveness of some representative anti-forensic tools for data hiding, artifact wiping, and trail obfuscation. We found they varied considerably in effectiveness and a variety of countermeasures can be used against them., http://archive.org/details/detectionandmiti1094561392, Captain, Army, Turkey, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Student Thesis (NPS NRP Project Related), The Marine Corps is on the path toward the full-scale adoption of unmanned automated and semi-automated assets. These platforms will affect everyone in the chain of command—from the squad leader on the hilltop, to the platoon commander on patrol, and to the battalion operations officer overseeing all battlefield elements. Since warfare will remain an intrinsically human endeavor, the introduction of machines on the battlefield requires teamwork at all levels to ensure success on the killing fields of the future. The integration of these assets into Marine Corps operations demands robust human-machine teaming (HMT) for the Corps to maintain its competitive advantage. Every operation the Marine Corps has in its repertoire will require varying levels of HMT as more unmanned aerial and ground assets are fielded. While all the Marine Corps’ warfighting functions will be impacted by these assets, the command and control (C2) function demands immediate attention. The authors of this thesis introduce a C2 framework that will help the Marines on the deck and in the operations cell make the right call in the HMT decision-space. The framework is grounded in the precepts of C2, cognitive load theory, and most importantly, interdependence. Additionally, the authors conduct a knowledge-value added (KVA) analysis to showcase the value added by the revolutionary technology in the re-engineering of familiar Marine Corps processes., USMC Warfighting Laboratory, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL), http://archive.org/details/unmannedtactical1094563504, This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrp, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Outstanding Thesis, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The Navy has identified a need to exploit the benefits of artificial intelligence, particularly in the realm of common tactical picture (CTP), combat identification (CID), and battle management aids. Of grave concern to the Navy is the CID of unknown unknowns or things that are not known to exist or can be easily tracked. Artificial Intelligence, and related machine learning, deep learning, and deep analytics tools, provides a technology that can be used to assist commanders in processing information to help determine these unknown unknowns. The limitations of current CID systems, coupled with the increased amount of the sensor data overloading current watch-stander's abilities to determine regularized patterns and anomalies, offers a technological opportunity to exploit and ease a human’s workload. Machine learning and other AI systems may be able to fill this gap, assisting in the determination of unknown-unknowns. Research conducted on machine learning and deep learning techniques determined possible applications for CID use in the surface Navy, with technology acquisition and integration as the limiting factors. Continued research concerning the integration of legacy systems and new technologies is necessary to realize the true potential of AI in CID unknown-unknown applications., N2/N6 - Information Warfare, http://archive.org/details/artificialintell1094563521, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

As the military has moved toward network-centric operations, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly valuable for capturing real-time information for joint operations on the ground. These UAVs contribute to the mission by conveying the scene accurately to the decision maker. However, because of constraints in free space, using MANET with UAV nodes in free space that has no pre-existing infrastructure poses a network latency problem. Latency reduces network efficiency when transmitting real-time information to a ground station. One goal of analyzing latency is understanding the logic of the UAV network architecture and protocols. Specifically, the thesis investigates the following question: What are the effects of UAV altitude on MANET latency? To investigate this question, this research simulates a two-node UAV mesh network at 2,000 and 3,000 feet altitude using Riverbed Modeler Academic Edition software. The research finds that there is no significant difference in latency at these altitudes. Therefore, all else being equal, 3,000 feet is the preferred altitude for UAVs, as it allows observation of wider areas and reduces UAV vulnerability to enemy weapons without affecting latency., http://archive.org/details/modelingauavbase1094563451, Captain, Bahrain Defence Force, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Using big data is essential for survival in any organization. While most data used in the workplace in the past were structured, the use of unstructured data is dramatically increasing and accounts for most of data growth. Handling unstructured big data is now significant for success in organizations. Sonar files are an example of unstructured big data used in the U.S. Navy. The Navy stores sonar data on separate data storage devices such as the hard disks of laptops and CDs. When users need to make a decision by analyzing the data, they must manually search for the relevant file across the storage system and physically transfer it to the proper applications to be read, which delays decision making. This thesis suggests a way to handle this challenge by using a big data platform. In this thesis, the performance of a big data platform is compared to that of the standalone system. Specifically, the binary data of sonar files were extracted and converted into metadata, which can be used for a query in the Oracle relational database and Application Express (APEX). As an example of big data analytics, a Multilayer Perceptron Regression algorithm was implemented with the metadata. The same environment was established in a Hadoop ecosystem like MapReduce, Hive, and Spark. Finally, this research suggests that a big data platform would be economically beneficial.

The Marine Corps Operating Concept (MOC) outlines critical tasks which will have a significant impact on current Marine Corps logistics Major Automated Information Systems (MAIS), especially as tactical units operate in data-contested environments. Key to achieving these tasks in the MOC is ensuring that the Marine Corps’ logistics MAIS, Global Combat Support System – Marine Corps (GCSS-MC), enables logistics sustainment across the entire spectrum of conflict. GCSS-MC is used to manage, control, identify and distribute ground supplies and track maintenance actions for the Marine Corps. The security protocols utilized to secure web-traffic between client and server for GCSS-MC are central to availability and usability of the system. These security protocols are access and identity management, enabling client authentication. Access and identity management on GCSS-MC is handled by Oracle Access Management (OAM), enabled by standard public key infrastructure security protocols. OAM provides centralized web-enabled access and identity management for users worldwide. Although these protocols enable security of a client’s session on the system, issues with the implementation of these protocols have actually degraded the performance of the system. This research explores blockchain technology as an access management tool for GCSS-MC, proposing an emergent blockchain access management protocol for GCSS-MC.

Within the past 15 years, artificial intelligence (AI) has represented a rapidly expanding field that will intrinsically overhaul analytical processes. Historically human-centric processes and capabilities are quickly being overrun by expanding data collection, creating a gap that AI tools can fill. The use of AI applications that have benefited commercial industry provide similar opportunities to add value within the military domain. The Marine Corps is heavily invested in expanding its collection capabilities across the Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise (MCISRE). The MCISRE 2015–2020 plan directs a modernization of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets across all intelligence disciplines. As collection capabilities expand, analytical tools that process and exploit information must evolve in a similar fashion. In order to expand its analytical abilities, Marine Corps intelligence must establish a strategy that identifies how to approach integrating AI capabilities. This thesis leverages current AI technological capabilities and proposes a strategy to integrate them across MCISRE. The strategy will provide a holistic outlook across the Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership/Education, Policy, and Facilities (DOTMLPF) spectrum to provide recommendations for senior leadership on material and non-material solutions to support AI integration within MCISRE., http://archive.org/details/artificialintell1094562806, Outstanding Thesis, Major, United States Marine Corps, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Enterprise applications are a type of software used in organizations to provide the functions for one or more business domains. The standard approach to developing enterprise application is using common programming platforms like Java EE or Microsoft .NET. However, in recent years new enterprise applications development platforms called Business Process Management Systems (BPMSs) have emerged. BPMS providers claim that their technologies allow organizations to develop enterprise applications faster than by using traditional applications development platforms. No comprehensive comparison of using the two approaches has yet been conducted. The purpose of this study is to compare two enterprise application features, persistence and messaging, available in both technologies—here, Java EE and Bonita BPM. The findings of this study revealed that developing applications using Bonita BPM takes less effort than using Java EE. However, facilitating applications development with Bonita BPM comes with a cost, which is that it limits the developer's ability to use specific preconfigured persistence and messaging technology., Major, Army, Saudi Arabia, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The Department of Defense (DoD) must continue to develop, sustain, and update its software-based capabilities. For the Department of the Navy (DoN), the life cycle costs of software continue to grow; over time, developing code will not be cost effective. An alternative to developing code is to further integrate open source software (OSS) into DoN programs. OSS is software that grants users the ability to view, use, and change the software source code. The use of OSS has been extensively researched, as addressed in the MITRE Corporation’s study on free and open source software (FOSS) in the DoD, completed in 2003. Despite favorable reports and published DoD policy, and the widespread successful use of OSS in current software, program managers are reluctant to fully integrate OSS into the DoN due to concerns with legal requirements, cybersecurity, total expenses, and the ability to implement and control OSS on classified systems while adhering to security regulations. This study utilized a quantitative, scaled approach to determine the risks and benefits to open sourcing for all DoN software. Several OSS case studies were examined. This research concluded that while OSS has been tested and proven cost-effective in certain areas of the DoN, it may not be the most efficient solution for all DoN projects. Therefore, the DoN should consider further implementation of OSS in security, software development, infrastructure support, and for program lifecycle cost reductions.

In this research, a Microsoft Excel retirement planning decision support tool is developed to help Marine Corps Officers visualize their own time horizon to achieve retirement. Basic and advanced features allow individuals to adjust all of the variables within the tool to represent their unique financial retirement goals. The decision support tool will also help eligible Marine Corps Officers to choose between the Legacy Retirement System and Blended Retirement System, by understanding each retirement plan and calculating which plan would provide more financial benefit.

The benefits of energy storage systems (ESSs) include reduced utility costs, back-up power, and the integration of renewable energy. This research developed energy storage heuristics that determine how much energy should be sent to and from storage in a given time period. The researchers evaluated the economic impact of each heuristic given various energy demand profiles and utility rate structures. The researchers utilized several ESS configurations, two different rate structures, and two historic annual energy demand profiles to test each heuristic and estimate potential cost savings of energy storage. ESSs reduced overall energy costs in both volatile and stable demand environments. Annual cost savings achieved by employing an ESS was a function of the energy storage heuristic and characteristics of the ESS. The research offers several key takeaways. First, utility rate structures can be used to determine the required efficiency rate to generate cost savings, and maximum capacity of the ESS can be a limitation. Second, capacity limitations can be mitigated with the application of a safety stock. Finally, volatile demand profiles with large demand spikes require a maximum discharge power equal to that spike to maximize savings, whereas stable demand profiles are not constrained by this characteristic., http://archive.org/details/energystoragesys1094560371, Outstanding Thesis, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Within the past 15 years, artificial intelligence (AI) has represented a rapidly expanding field that will intrinsically overhaul analytical processes. Historically human-centric processes and capabilities are quickly being overrun by expanding data collection, creating a gap that AI tools can fill. The use of AI applications that have benefited commercial industry provide similar opportunities to add value within the military domain. The Marine Corps is heavily invested in expanding its collection capabilities across the Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise (MCISRE). The MCISRE 2015–2020 plan directs a modernization of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets across all intelligence disciplines. As collection capabilities expand, analytical tools that process and exploit information must evolve in a similar fashion. In order to expand its analytical abilities, Marine Corps intelligence must establish a strategy that identifies how to approach integrating AI capabilities. This thesis leverages current AI technological capabilities and proposes a strategy to integrate them across MCISRE. The strategy will provide a holistic outlook across the Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership/Education, Policy, and Facilities (DOTMLPF) spectrum to provide recommendations for senior leadership on material and non-material solutions to support AI integration within MCISRE.

The Marine Corps is on the path toward the full-scale adoption of unmanned automated and semi-automated assets. These platforms will affect everyone in the chain of command—from the squad leader on the hilltop, to the platoon commander on patrol, and to the battalion operations officer overseeing all battlefield elements. Since warfare will remain an intrinsically human endeavor, the introduction of machines on the battlefield requires teamwork at all levels to ensure success on the killing fields of the future. The integration of these assets into Marine Corps operations demands robust human-machine teaming (HMT) for the Corps to maintain its competitive advantage. Every operation the Marine Corps has in its repertoire will require varying levels of HMT as more unmanned aerial and ground assets are fielded. While all the Marine Corps’ warfighting functions will be impacted by these assets, the command and control (C2) function demands immediate attention. The authors of this thesis introduce a C2 framework that will help the Marines on the deck and in the operations cell make the right call in the HMT decision-space. The framework is grounded in the precepts of C2, cognitive load theory, and most importantly, interdependence. Additionally, the authors conduct a knowledge-value added (KVA) analysis to showcase the value added by the revolutionary technology in the re-engineering of familiar Marine Corps processes.

Enterprise applications are a type of software used in organizations to provide the functions for one or more business domains. The standard approach to developing enterprise application is using common programming platforms like Java EE or Microsoft .NET. However, in recent years new enterprise applications development platforms called Business Process Management Systems (BPMSs) have emerged. BPMS providers claim that their technologies allow organizations to develop enterprise applications faster than by using traditional applications development platforms. No comprehensive comparison of using the two approaches has yet been conducted. The purpose of this study is to compare two enterprise application features, persistence and messaging, available in both technologies—here, Java EE and Bonita BPM. The findings of this study revealed that developing applications using Bonita BPM takes less effort than using Java EE. However, facilitating applications development with Bonita BPM comes with a cost, which is that it limits the developer's ability to use specific preconfigured persistence and messaging technology.

Although information technology has improved our living standards, it has also provided criminals new ways to commit crime. Digital crime includes identity theft, online piracy, hacking, and terrorism. For combating digital crime, new techniques and tools emerge frequently in digital forensics. On the opposite side, cyber-criminals develop counter-techniques called anti-forensics, which aim to disrupt or manipulate forensic analysis of crime. This thesis investigated the effectiveness of some representative anti-forensic tools for data hiding, artifact wiping, and trail obfuscation. We found they varied considerably in effectiveness and a variety of countermeasures can be used against them.

The U.S. Marine Corps prides itself on the ability to successfully operate within a dynamic environment in an expedient and expeditious manner. No small accomplishment, this burden lies heavily on supply professionals and the agility of the supply network in support of operating forces. Supply chain management (SCM) must cultivate dynamic supply chains to be as fluid as the maneuver units it supports. Though military action is reactive at times, proactive preparations foster an ability to increase momentum and gain the initiative. This quantitative research assesses the supply chain of a deployed MV-22 Osprey squadron to discover inefficiencies, and makes recommendations to increase supply chain productivity. Specifically, this study takes advantage of Microsoft Excel and big data techniques to sort through structured and unstructured data. By collaborating with the Department of the Navy (DoN) and obtaining data sets, we are able to apply Excel and Lexical Link Analysis (LLA), a text-mining software, to derive relationships between given data sets. Interpreting these relationships helps determine opportunities, shortfalls, and favorable and unfavorable conditions within the MV-22 Osprey supply chain. The results observed can form the basis for supply chain improvement recommendations and can help enhance DoN SCM productivity.

This study evaluates eSUPPO and suggests an updated version for the U.S. Navy Supply Corps community. To accomplish this task effectively, a comprehensive examination of the current capabilities, via focus groups and surveys, assesses how well the mobile app meets the needs of the Supply Corps community. The analysis begins by understanding the unmet needs experienced by Supply Corps officers while using eSUPPO. Next, the authors of this study identify the improvements that should be made to the app. After a complete analysis of eSUPPO's current As-Is processes, the study takes the information gathered from both the survey and focus groups, develops and recommends a To-Be process, and presents the result to NAVSUP Business Systems Center (BSC). The authors of this study estimate that the Supply Corps community should benefit greatly from an upgraded app, as easy access to the most important information would be readily available when needed. The upgraded version of the app would include a mentoring section to provide junior Supply Corps officers with the opportunity to receive advice from a senior officer in any fleet concentration area. The app would also bring the fleet closer together by including an announcement section for all the fleet concentration areas, which would list current and future events taking place in each location. An operational icon will also be included in the upgraded version with the contact information for all the Fleet Logistics Centers.

The explosive growth of cyberspace into many aspects of peoples' lives over the last twenty years has been matched with an equally explosive growth in the number and sophistication of cyber incidents. Governments have recognized that these incidents pose a threat to the security and economy of their constituencies and use this reasoning as a basis for intervening on behalf of private entities. In this project, we compare the cybersecurity policies of the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, and Singapore to explore what the United States does to protect its private entities in cyberspace, what more it could be doing, and how decision makers could compare future policy options. Despite differences in focus, we found significant homogeneity between the policies of each government, with one gap in the U.S. approach--a long-term solution for the dearth of skilled cybersecurity workers. In conclusion, we provide a recommendation for expansion of U.S. subsidies for primary school education to meet this gap as well as an outcome-based framework to aid future analyses.

The models for providing computing services have changed over the recent years, thereby allowing many lab-computing options. However, currently at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), thick client computers provide computing services to students in the learning and resource centers (LRC). Due to various budget restrictions, decreased manpower, and the directives set forth by the Navy, the existing LRC solution at NPS has become increasing difficult to maintain efficiently. These reasons allow the following research questions to be asked: what viable options are available to provide the same level of capabilities in the LRCs at NPS and for the viable options, does a cost comparison show which solution would be preferable for the labs and classrooms at NPS? To answer the questions, the NPS Cloudlab virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution, as well as the computing solutions at three universities, was selected as the basis for comparison. The research method used includes a qualitative methods approach that utilizes case studies to perform the analysis. Analysis performed in the research looks to find the most effective solution in terms of cost, manpower, and availability of the systems in question. The results showed, in terms of hardware and software costs and manpower that Stanford University has the most cost effective solution provided by their private cloud solution. In regards to availability, the greatest system availability was at the Naval War College, California State University, Monterey Bay, and Stanford University. All three solutions were available 99.9% of the time. The recommendations made were to implement a private cloud computing solution similar to the technology used at Stanford University, implement a bring your own device (BYOD) policy at NPS, and to expand the NPS Cloudlab solution both in terms of licensing and into the LRCs using BYOD and thin clients.

Every organization has four layers that connect its vision, goals, scopes and ideals to their execution through the data, processes, applications and technology used. In recent years, technology has been considered as the answer to every problem. For every problem, technology could find a particular solution. Different results, however, have been obtained by many organizations. Many enterprises that initially were successful failed to maintain the pace; others managed to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment made up of an increasingly demanding public. Recently, some methodologies have been developed to assess how an organization can improve its overall performance and gain capabilities. In this way, an organization is less flexible but stronger and more agile. This can be done by getting a holistic view of the organization and achieving a blueprint, in order to align the four layers that compose an organization. The purpose of this thesis is to explore how these methodologies can be implemented in the Argentinian Army, what benefits can be obtained from them and how they would impact the organization. The Argentinian Army wants to be a modern organization. Implementing modern organizational methodologies is a way to achieve the desired final state.

This thesis explores the Defense Health Agency's (DHA) implementation and sustainment of the newly acquired electronic health record (EHR). The Military Health System (MHS) is utilizing a disjointed taxonomy of patient health record systems to deliver health services that are cumbersome to both the end users and the health information technology specialists in its use and delivery. The acquisition of the new commercial off-the-shelf EHR in 2016 from Cerner-Leidos-Accenture offers an enterprise solution to the MHS. This advanced IT solution requires detailed, deliberate implementation and deployment planning by the DHA, which will result in the effective, efficient, and economical delivery of healthcare services to Department of Defense personnel. Utilizing a case study approach, the authors conducted interviews at two sites within the DHA EHR deployment footprint and correlated results with the application and research of Kates and Galbraith's star model. The authors conclude that with appropriate change management efforts, communication of strategy and structure, measurement of metrics, and investment in people, the DHA has the ability to implement MHS GENESIS within reasonable schedule parameters and achieve equitable sustainment.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is an immense organization that utilizes thousands of business systems at a cost in the billions of dollars for the operation, maintenance, and modernization of these systems. During the past decade Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have become a primary focus within the DoD in an effort to minimize the amount of business systems, and bring about process integration across the Services. The DoD has invested billions of dollars toward the development and implementation of numerous ERPs in the past decade. Unfortunately, a few of these ERP implementations have resulted in failure, while a majority of other ERPs are experiencing cost overruns and schedule delays. With existing budget constraints it is imperative that the DoD conducts research to further the development of appropriate ERP implementation approaches. One key attribute of implementing an ERP is change management. Extensive private industry research has been conducted on change management and identifies change management as a critical success factor for any widespread organizational changes. ERPs fit this model and typically involve drastic organizational change. As the DoD seeks to enlarge and transform its enterprise, there is a need for change management research on recent DoD ERP implementations. .

Marine Corps commanders have inadequate tools for energy awareness on the battlefield. The purpose of this study is to explore how vehicle telematics could impact operational reach through improving awareness of fuel stocks from hours to near-real time. The research uses an exploratory sequential mixed methods design to establish how current practices may change with the introduction of telematics. The first-phase qualitative findings suggest that the tactical fuel supply chain is inherently unstable due to information delays and information processing distortion. The second phase tests the hypothesis that telematics has a positive effect on operational reach. This is accomplished through a supply chain simulation that compares the current process against a reengineered solution with telematics. Between the two models, the reengineered supply chain produced the opportunity for higher tempo, more agile combat units, and increased system stability. While these are desirable effects, operational reach was reduced by 7% as fuel was more available to combat units. In addition to fuel-saving initiatives that telematics may inform, there may be long-term benefits that warrant the full integration of fuel telematics throughout the military supply chain

This research examines the Marine Corps’ implementation of its private cloud computing environment into its Enterprise Architecture. Specifically, this analysis reviews the challenges presented in migrating the USMC College of Distance Education and Training’s (CDET) entire portfolio of IT applications to the Marine Corps Enterprise Information Services (MCEITS) cloud data center. This study explores the necessary modifications to CDET’s applications and business processes to make the migration a success, and how the modifications may help CDET realize the intrinsic benefits of cloud computing. The analysis begins by establishing an understanding of the MCEITS' hosting environment and CDET’s system requirements. Next, a review of cloud migration models and lessons learned from a commercial migration case provide context for examining the migration of CDET’s applications. After providing an understanding of CDET’s current As-Is processes, the research focus is on applying the migration guidance to develop and propose To-Be processes for post-migration operations. This research concludes that CDET will benefit from the migration, as MCEITS will become responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the network operating systems, database management systems, and infrastructure, and for competing data backups. This frees CDET personnel to concentrate on the development of CDET’s applications. Also, the migration will result in a more streamlined change and procurement processes for acquiring computing resources. However, CDET will need to create new processes to facilitate coordination between the organizations.

The United States Marine Corps is operating in an increasingly resource-limited and fiscally constrained environment while simultaneously becoming more dependent on information technology systems to efficiently train and operate. Balancing budget and mission requires innovative solutions to current problems. One such innovation that could potentially save the Marine Corps money, while increasing its ability to prepare for and conduct its mission, is the use of commercial mobile devices. This research used case study methodology to describe three processes that could benefit from the implementation of commercial mobile devices in the Marine Corps. Each independent case study was presented with three courses of action with implementation strategy variations. Socio-technical systems theory was used to analyze the intersection between the proposed new technology and the user. The technology acceptance model was used to analyze the likelihood of actual usage based on implementation strategy used. Finally, each course of action was analyzed with regard to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organizational data. The conclusion of this research is that no one-size-fits-all implementation strategy of these devices will minimize risks and maximize benefits in all processes. This is likely due to the variations in confidentiality, integrity, and availability requirements of each process.

The Navy leases more than 3,300 vehicles annually to commands and bases throughout the United States; however, the management model is antiquated, and there are now new fleet management options available. The purpose of this study is to examine the costs and benefits of utilizing a commercial car-sharing model or implementing a Fleet-Sharing solution to replace the current ownership model administered by Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC). We will use a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) framework to analyze a data set provided by NAVFAC for the Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville (JAX) locality and compare the net benefit of three available alternatives. The first alternative is continued operation with the current model (Status Quo). The second alternative is replacement of the current model with a contractor operated commercial car-sharing model. The third alternative involves integrating a fleet management hardware/software solution (fleet-sharing). The goal of this CBA is to compare alternatives in order to identify the one with the highest net benefit. The data set conclusively supports alternative three, which provides a reduced initial cost versus the status quo and a cumulative net present value. Therefore, we recommend implementing a fleet-sharing solution to the existing fleet at NAS JAX.

The overabundance of data created by modern information systems (IS) has led to a breakdown in cognitive decision-making. Without authoritative source data, commanders’ decision-making processes are hindered as they attempt to paint an accurate shared operational picture (SOP). Further impeding the decision-making process is the lack of proper interface interaction to provide a visualization that aids in the extraction of the most relevant and accurate data. Utilizing the DSS to present visualizations based on OLAP cube integrated data allow decision-makers to rapidly glean information and build their situation awareness (SA). This yields a competitive advantage to the organization while in garrison or in combat. Additionally, OLAP cube data integration enables analysis to be performed on an organization’s data-flows. This analysis is used to identify the critical path of data throughout the organization. Linking a decision-maker to the authoritative data along this critical path eliminates the many decision layers in a hierarchal command structure that can introduce latency or error into the decision-making process. Furthermore, the organization has an integrated SOP from which to rapidly build SA, and make effective and efficient decisions.