Theater level operations: modeling ground unit logistical requirements in the Joint Warfare Analysis Experimental Prototype

This study proposes a methodology for modeling the logistics processes for ground units in the Joint Warfare Analysis Experimental Prototype (JWAEP) simulation. The model structure presented in this research allows for the representation of the consumption. movement, and distribution of supplies within the combat units modeled in JWAEP. Also presented is an architecture to model logistical units in JWAEP Methodologies are presented to model both the "push" and "pull" systems of supply. The supply network modeled in this thesis allows for the emplacement of multiple support units into the existing JWAEP arc-node network. permitting the influx of supplies to theater supply points and the transferal of these supplies to intermediate and terminal supply points along the arcs of the network. This logistical model structure also acts to constrain the units represented in JWAEP by limiting their supply stocks to more realistic levels. The thesis also presents the methodology and algorithms to allow the use of the logistical structure as a planning constraint on the decision maker's courses of action. A decision maker's courses of action may be limited by the availability of supplies required to execute those courses of action. The effect of this limitation is to cause the decision maker to choose among courses of action that may be only partially supportable, and therefore involve more risk.