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A METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF OPERATIONAL FIREPOWER DURING A COMPUTER-AIDED EXERCISE

Kerry T. Gordon-Captain, United States Marine Corps
B.A., Auburn University, 1986
Master of Science in Operations Research-September 1996
Advisor: Sam Parry, Department of Operations Research
Second Reader: Paul S. Bloch, Department of Operations Research

Abstract

One of the primary tools available to a Joint Commander-in-Chief (CINC) for training his staff on their joint mission essential tasks is a command post exercise (CPX) supported by a computer simulation model. This is commonly referred to as a computer-Aided Exercise (CAX). Computer-Aided Exercises are an essential part of training a component staff; however, one weakness with these valuable tools lies in the measurement of the level of training received by the players. In most CPXs the players rapidly disperse after the exercise and little quantitative data are captured during the running of the CAX that allows for a quick post exercise analysis. This research presents a methodology for evaluating the performance of joint operational firepower tasks as set forth in the Universal Joint Task List. While demonstrating this methodology for developing quantifiable measures of effectiveness in operational firepower, this thesis also shows how the relationship of operational firepower and operational intelligence can be refined for enhanced firepower effectiveness.