A METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING A JOINT MOBILIZATION PLAN USING THE JOINT THEATER LEVEL SIMULATION (JTLS)

Mark James Sullivan-Lieutenant, United States Navy
B.S., Northeastern University, 1988
Master of Science in Operations Research-Septemberr 1996
Advisor:Sam Parry, Department of Operations Research
Second Reader:Greg Brouillette, Joint Warfighting Center

Abstract

One of the primary training tools available to a joint Commander in Chief (CINC) for training his staff on their joint mission essential tasks is a command post exercise supported by a computer simulation model. Computer-Aided Exercises (CAXs) are an essential part of training a component staff, however one weakness lies in the measurement of the level of training received by the players. In most CAXs the players rapidly disperse after the exercise, and not only is no quantitative data captured but in most cases they don't receive a detailed debrief. This research presents a methodology for evaluating the performance of joint mobilization tasks as set forth in the Universal Joint Task List (UJTL). The UJTL provides both the staff and evaluators with a common document outlining the critical events and activities which require successful accomplishment. The UJTL is organized in such a manner which defines activities such as logistics, intelligence, and force protection.

It is the purpose of this thesis to provide a methodology for objectively assessing the effectiveness of a staff's joint mobilization plan. Experimental runs using the Joint Level Simulation (JTLS) are presented to demonstrate the methodology and the subsequent analysis process.