An exploration of the effects of maintenance manning on Combat Mission Readiness utilizing agent based modeling

Abstract

Agent based models are powerful tools in describing processes and systems centered on individual behaviors and local interactions. Current application areas tend to be focused within the business and social science arenas, although their usefulness has been demonstrated in the modeling of various chemistry and physics-based systems and more recently, in unit-level military combat operations. Conversely, many highly process-oriented systems, such as manufacturing environments, tend to be modeled via “top-down” methods, including discrete or continuous event simulations. As a result, potentially critical attributes of the modeled entities or resources (spatial properties or adaptability) may not be adequately captured or developed. This research develops an agent based model for application to a problem heretofore addressed solely via discrete event simulation or stochastic mathematical models. Specifically, a model is constructed to investigate the effects of differing levels of maintenance manning on sortie production capability, while examining those effects on the resulting Combat Mission Readiness (CMR) of a typical F-16 squadron.