A Systematic Approach to Prioritizing Weapon System Requirements and Military Operations Through Requisite Variety

Abstract

Abstract : The 21st century U.S. military being redesigned, developed and tested today is driven by diverse global mission requirements and force modernization subject to fiscal constraint. The practical application of the theory of requisite variety is accomplished through development of an analytical framework for prioritizing force structure elements. It provides a systematic basis for assigning priority to research, development, production, and operational activities. Requisite variety ensures warfighting effectiveness subject to a variety of different mission requirements and budget constraints. The authors use a game theoretic model to emphasize the importance of requisite variety in weapon system prioritization and operational decision making. They outline, define, and provide examples of three concrete approaches to increasing the variety available to a military commander regulation, information, and variety catalysts. And they reinforce the distinction between qualitative and quantitative variety in military systems and operations. They further examine the framework through an Army advanced warfighting experiment, which leads to important results and considerations with respect to requirements determination, weapon system prioritization, and battlefield operations.