Military Operational Planning Research Articles

Military logistics planning models for enemy targets attack by a swarm of combat drones

This article describes and investigates the planning aspect of military actions aimed at destroying enemy targets with the help of an attack drone swarm. This study attempts to solve the task of operational-tactical planning of a massive attack on enemy targets with the help of combat drones, which have different combat potential characteristics. It analyzes the problems of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) swarms’ usage, which ensures maximum efficiency during combat operations. The article shows that in order to plan effective military operations, it is necessary to form the following logistical sequence: identification of relevant targets set, formation of drones into a swarm to attack targets, distribution of drones by targets, and planning flight routes of a drone swarm in conditions of military threats. It concludes that for the effective use of a combat drone swarm, it is necessary to plan logistical actions in advance to inflict maximum damage on the enemy and successfully fulfill the operational and tactical goals of the military leadership. The purpose of this study is to create information technology models that will allow planning logistical military actions for the effective use of combat drone swarms to defeat enemy targets. This article describes a systematic representation of logistical military operations for combat drone swarms. It also analyzes enemy targets, which are represented in the form of a priority list with the characteristics of relevance, the necessary combat potential to hit the targets, the risks of approaching the targets, and the flight time of the drones. From the list of targets, a sublist is formed, considering the combat potential of the drone swarm and the necessary potential to defeat the selected enemy targets. The optimization model helps to distribute the swarm of drones into groups to achieve the enemy targets and destroy them. The movement of drones is planned considering flight zones, possible anti-drone actions of the enemy, and the risks of military threats. Any Logic agent simulation platform can be used to create a simulated flight model of a drone swarm to selected enemy targets. Modeling makes it possible to form rational flight routes of a drone swarm under conditions of military threats from the enemy. An example is given to illustrate the formation of logistical actions for planning a massive attack on enemy targets with the help of a drone swarm. The scientific novelty of this study is related to the solution of the urgent problem of planning logistical military operations for the effective use of a combat drone swarm to destroy enemy targets. The results of this study should be used for the operational and tactical planning of logistical military operations to defeat enemy targets with the help of a combat drone swarm.

Implementation of Public Affairs in the interests of military operations: NATO standards and Ukrainian Armed Forces experience

The research relevance is determined by the need for a deep understanding of Public Affairs strategies in modern military conflicts, where the information space becomes an arena of struggle no less important than the battlefield itself. In the context of the growing role of media and information technology, the effective implementation of Public Affairs can determine the success of military operations and the formation of public opinion. The study aims to analyse current approaches to Public Affairs in the military sphere, with a focus on the experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the implementation of NATO standards, to identify effective strategies and methodologies in this area. The methodological basis of the study is based on the following methods: analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalisation, classification, and systematisation. The results of the study include a review of regulations, organisational structure, means and methods of Public Affairs used in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and NATO countries. Analysis of the challenges and problems faced by Public Affairs professionals in the current conditions of hybrid warfare, as well as the prospects for the development of this area of activity in the context of strengthening the information security of the state, is given special attention. The author emphasises the importance of integrating Public Affairs into the overall system of Strategic Communications in the structure of military command and the need to ensure the active participation of Public Affairs Officers in the planning and implementation of military operations. The importance of developing the professional skills of Public Affairs professionals and using the latest information and communication technologies to improve the effectiveness of Strategic Communications is emphasised. The practical significance of the study is due to its contribution to the development of approaches and standards for the implementation of effective Public Affairs in the context of military operations, identification of problems and challenges in this area, recommendations for developing the skills of specialists and improving the level of information security of the state

Working Together for a Common Goal: The International Armed Forces Community Nursing Research Collaboration

Over the past 19 years, millions of military service members from the United States (U.S.) and United Kingdom (U.K.) served alongside each other in Iraq and Afghanistan. The U.S. and U.K. clearly recognize the sacrifices that the members of their armed forces have made for their respective countries. Sir Winston Churchill described the special relationship which has facilitated cooperation between the U.S. and U.K. in economic activities (trade and commerce), intelligence sharing, and the planning and execution of military operations and military medicine. It would be to the benefit of all, especially the military members, veterans, and family members, if nursing also joined in this collaborative effort. Ensuring the efforts of NATO nurse scientists and educators working to advance military, veteran, and their families’ health are aligned requires outlining key priorities across nations and identifying resources that can facilitate collaborations. To that end, with the support of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), the International Armed Forces Community Nursing Research Collaboration (IAFNRC) was established. This manuscript provides detailed insight into the work of the IAFNRC.

GIS applications for modern-style military operations planning

The primary objective of the article is to reflect the practical necessity and possibilities of using GIS software for planning of military operations in the contemporary information environment. The results analysed by the GIS platforms can be used by the specialists in all fields of operational planning by providing the requested data that can improve the performance of operational planning. The obvious need for the development process of the operational planning system in the context of the adoption of planning procedures appears as an opportunity, especially in the current stage of the reformation of the National Army. The geographical characteristics of the area of operation are thoroughly analysed from all available geographical sources. Until now, the most effective method of determining the geographical features of the terrain in the area of operation was considered to be reading from printed topographic maps, which included a series of additional determinations and analyses that were carried out through complex and long-lasting procedures. Accordingly, this fact was not allowing quick decision-making, and often, erroneous analysis of the terrain could lead to incorrect deductions that required commanders of all levels to make wrong conclusions, accordingly to expose them by orders.

Multi-Criteria Optimization of Brigade Command Organization in the Process of Operational Planning of Military Operations

The paper presents an analytical overview of the aspects of organizing and functioning of the brigade command in the process of operational planning of military operations. The aim of the work is to offer and compare a new solution for the organization of commands of different levels (in this case, brigade commands) in the process of planning operations, while considering all aspects of the offered organization models. By identifying the possibility of improving the structure and functioning of the command, with the help of the analytical-hierarchical process (AHP) multi-criteria decision-making method, the procedure for choosing the best alternative in terms of the command organizational structure model and the brigade command work organization model, in the concretely considered situation, was presented. Model A, considered in this paper, is adapted to the NATO model of brigade command organization, model B is a modified basic model of brigade command organization, defined in our doctrinal documents. Based on the research, model B of the organizational structure is realistic and high-quality and represents the basis for redefining and improving the organization of the work of the brigade command in the process of operational planning of military operations.

“Стратегия выхода”: генезис концепции сквозь трансформацию мирового порядка

The transformation of the world order affects the stability of the international security system and forces nation states to intensify their efforts to develop mechanisms for preventing challenges and threats both during the transformation itself and after its completion. At the same time, political-military conflicts remain an integral element of any world order. And, paradoxically, they are the main threat to the world order. The article endeavors to analyze the features of the system of strategic planning and management of military operations under the administrations of R. Reagan and G. Bush. The choice of the period is due to, among other things, a significant similarity between the main challenges and threats relevant to the U.S. – USSR relations in that time and the U.S. – Russia relations today, which makes it possible to apply the comparative historical method of research. The purpose of the study is to identify, within the selected period, such systemic characteristics and factors, the use of which would be possible in modeling modern political and military conflicts, and would also contribute to the resolution of some of them. The particular attention is paid to the doctrine of C. Weinberger, the U. S. Secretary of Defense. The analysis of use of the American armed forces in 1981–1992 confirms the effectiveness of the Weinberger Doctrine. Moreover, with the assistance of C. Powell, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Weinberger Doctrine became the basis of a conceptual approach to politicalmilitary conflicts as an “exit strategy”. Today, in the context of the immutable nature of a political-military conflict, the Weinberger Doctrine and “exit strategy” deserve special attention of the scientific community and can become a solid foundation for forecasting, planning and mechanisms for resolving modern crisis situations, armed conflicts and wars.

Flight Training Syllabus Structure Impact on Proactive Planning of High-Performance Military Aircraft Pilot Training Operations in Flexible Airspace Structures

European airspace is marked by fragmentation, and from fragmentation originated congestion. As an answer to congestion, flexible use of airspace is created to fulfil all users’ requirements optimally, and at its very core lies civil-military cooperation and the coordination of airspace use. Such an approach is enabled by collaborative decision-making, which presumes timely and complete exchange of complete relevant information between airspace users. To participate in the process, the military should be transparent regarding its restrictions and capabilities of adaptation to other airspace users’ demands. Flight training syllabus structure and its specific impact on proactive planning of high-performance military aircraft pilot training operations in flexible airspace structures is the subject of this research. Significant diversity in the hourly distribution of civil traffic demand in flexible airspace structures in Zagreb FIR proves them applicable for a proactive approach to high-performance aircraft pilot training operations planning and management. Noticeable reduction in the number of civil aircraft affected by high-performance aircraft pilot training operations in flexible airspace structures at congested flight levels is corroborated. Simulations of proactive planning of high-performance aircraft pilot training operations reveal indications of flight syllabus structure’s impact on pilot flight training duration, as well as the possibility to manage its restrictions.

Addressing the accountability void: War crimes against persons with disabilities

AbstractAcademics rarely raise the need to consider persons with disabilities when preventing, investigating and prosecuting international humanitarian law (IHL) violations. Worse still, no actual attempts have been made to include a disability perspective into practical guidance and monitoring mechanisms. This article addresses that void by laying out how existing yet unutilized IHL obligations can be leveraged to repress and suppress disability-based IHL violations. In doing so, the article will detail how fact-finding approaches, criminal investigative processes and reporting methods for IHL violations can be inclusive of persons with disabilities and thus more appropriately address the endemic under-representation of a disability perspective in the planning and execution of military operations during armed conflict and the specific crimes they thereby suffer. Additionally, this article will articulate concrete changes that should be made to international criminal law procedures for prosecuting war crimes to provide recognition and accountability for disability-based IHL violations, as has been done for violations against women and children. Finally, this article will diagnose the state of the law to address any legal challenges or hurdles that may hamper the inclusion of a disability perspective in fulfilling the IHL obligation to reduce and address violations of humanitarian law.

The Influence of Geographical Space on Operational Design

Abstract Geographical factors can determine the planning and conduct of military action, the organization and training of the armed forces, and the choice of appropriate combat procedures. Based on these considerations, we will highlight the importance of the geographical factor in the military analysis for the planning of military operations, in the context of a comprehensive approach of the elements that constitute the operational environment. The timeliness and importance of the issues addressed are determined by the opportunity to investigate and assess the correlation and interdependencies among physical and geographical elements and the operational design, identifying specific elements of military science and art for the planning and execution of military operations.

Major Factors Influencing The Planning of Military Operations in Future Wars with a Classical Approach

Major Factors Influencing The Planning of Military Operations in Future Wars with a Classical Approach

АНАЛІЗ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ РІЗНИХ ВИДІВ ТРАНСПОРТУ ДЛЯ ПІДВОЗУ ПАЛЬНО-МАСТИЛЬНИХ МАТЕРІАЛІВ

Throughout the history of mankind, along with the technical development of weapons and military equipment in the armed forces of states, the importance of fuels and lubricants in the total volume of cargoes that were transported to military units and formations increased. According the memoirs of the most outstanding military leaders, during planning and leadership of military operations, considerable attention was paid to the creation and maintenance of fuel and lubricants at the proper level. Understanding that without fuel, no ingenious idea can be realized, if military equipment cannot move from its place, and personnel will not be able to receive food and ammunition on time. So for the supply of fuels and lubricants it is possible to use the following types of transport: air; water; railway; automobile; pipeline. Each of the listed types of transport has certain features. Each type of transport that is used in the modern world for oil and petroleum products has its own advantages over other types of transport and limitations in its use. For example, the disadvantages of oil pipeline transport include high metal consumption, «rigidity» of the route, which can be branched by deploying field main pipelines with their connection to the existing stationary system of oil pipelines. Sometimes, when choosing the type of transport which is planned to be involved in providing military units with fuel and lubricants, it is necessary to choose not the most cost-effective, but the type that will ensure uninterrupted supply in a timely manner and in full. Keywords: transport of fuel and lubricating products, use of various types of transport, application of various types of transport for oil and petroleum products, automobile transport, railway transport, air transport, sea transport, pipeline transport.

Course of Action Development – Brainstorm or Brickstorm?

The article presents findings from a research study which examined organisational barriers to innovation and co-creation experienced during course of action formation processes in military operational planning. We investigated both classroom and practical experiences of courses of action brainstorm development when conducted as outlined in the NATO Comprehensive Operations Planning Directive. In-depth interviews were conducted and combined with one observational case study that involved continual dialogue with central actors involved. The findings indicate that there can be substantial differences between ideal types of brainstorming and the actual brainstorm processes that unfold during course of action development in teaching as well as in real planning situations. The article coins the term brickstorm to capture elements of this process.

Germany and Austro-Hungary: the cartography of the defeated

ABSTRACTEven cautiously extrapolated, Germany printed about eight hundred million map sheets between 1914 and 1918, and its principal brother-in-arms Austria-Hungary about another 65 million. The French printed 40 million and the British 32 million (Eckert 1925:807). Arguably, this places Germany well ahead of all countries participating in the Great War (Espenhorst 2016: 126). Therefore, it is evident that this article can only be a concentrated survey of the Mittelmächte (central powers) wartime cartography. It begins with an assessment of their mapping position on the eve of the outbreak of hostilities, then goes on to discuss large-scale trench maps, which served tactical combat. However, of greater importance, for planning of military operations, were operational maps on a smaller scale. A completely new field for cartography were aeronautical charts of wide-ranging scales extending from the theatres of war bordering the North Sea to the vast areas of central Russia. To dig deeper to the actual trench level at least on two occasions, this article includes two case studies: The first showing how the surveying sections of various German armies on the western front developed their tactical trench maps. The second introduces a simple but effective targeting board devised for artillerists.

Implementation of geographic information system in military terrain assessment

Geographic Information System1 has made a great leap in the last two decades. On the one hand, it becomes widely used in various fields of the society. On the other hand, terrain plays significant role in the military activities of all kinds. It must be accounted for during planning and preparation of military operations. This article explores application of GIS in military terrain assessment. The proper Intelligence Preparation of the Battle space2 in the real situation would require taking into consideration many factors including terrain, weather, population, enemy, etc. However, the focus of this work is on plain terrain analysis with the aim to examine one. For this purpose, a Model in ArcGIS Desktop Model Builder has been made, which results in raster showing several classes of terrain. The method used in the analysis is a Weighted Suitability Analysis3. The results of WSA indicate that the terrain in the area of interest is favorable for movement of up to one mechanized division. Definition and classification to define terms and recognized interaction among them has been used.

The ‘Walker dip’

AbstractThroughout recent history there has been a pattern whereby military medical care improves in wartime and these advances are lost by the time the next conflict occurs. This dip in medical performance potentially represents lives that may be lost and recovery that may be impaired for our young servicemen and women at the start of every new conflict. When reviewing the wars of the last two centuries, three themes emerge. Firstly, post-war military cuts fall disproportionately on medical services, leaving a mismatch between the size of forces that can be deployed and the ability to care for them when injured. Secondly, insufficient medical representation in military operational planning results in the neglect of medical logistics; and finally, technical and procedural lessons are not adequately captured and incorporated into training and doctrine.

Using a genetic algorithm to solve the troops-to-tasks problem in military operations planning

The troops-to-tasks analysis in military operational planning is the process where the military staff investigates who should do what, where, and when in the operation. In this paper, we describe a genetic algorithm for solving troops-to-tasks problems, which are typically solved manually. The study was motivated by a request from Norwegian military staff, who acknowledged the potential for solving the troops-to-tasks analysis more effectively by using optimization techniques. Also, NATO’s operational planning tool, TOPFAS, lacks an optimization module for the troops-to-tasks analysis. The troops-to-tasks problem generalizes the well-known resource-constrained project scheduling problem, and thus it is very difficult to solve. As the troops-to-tasks problem is particularly complex, the main purpose of our study was to develop an algorithm capable of solving real-sized problem instances. We developed a genetic algorithm with new features, which were crucial to finding good solutions. We tested the algorithm on two different data sets representing high-intensity military operations. We compared the performance of the algorithm to that of a mixed integer linear program solved by CPLEX. In contrast to CPLEX, the algorithm found feasible solutions within an acceptable time frame for all instances.

Teorijski i praktični aspekti operativnog okvira u planiranju operacija

The military doctrine has been developed as a system of doctrine based on the Doctrine of the Serbian Armed Forces. The documents of a lower hierarchical level have an organizational character (service doctrines and rules of units) and a functional character (doctrines from J-1 to J-9 and documents derived from them to the level of various guides). The Doctrine of the Serbian Armed Forces is the basis for all doctrinal documents of a lower hierarchical level, and this basis follows the Doctrine of Operations as the main document at the first level of doctrinal documents. Experiences from the implementation of doctrinal documents in practice indicate that in the system of adopted doctrine there are inconsistencies and contradictory attitudes on the same issues, which are particularly manifested in the process of operational planning of military operations. The operational framework represents a significant content of the operational planning process and it includes the organization of forces in space and time in relation to one's own and the enemy intentions, and for practical reasons it is considered at an operational and tactical level of the operational planning process. This paper considers the impact of the operational environment on the operational framework, the theoretical and practical aspect of the operational framework and elements of the operational framework by comparative method and method of analysis of the contents of doctrinal documents.

A cognitive prosthesis for complex decision-making

While simple heuristics can be ecologically rational and effective in naturalistic decision making contexts, complex situations require analytical decision making strategies, hypothesis-testing and learning. Sub-optimal decision strategies – using simplified as opposed to analytic decision rules – have been reported in domains such as healthcare, military operational planning, and government policy making. We investigate the potential of a computational toolkit called “IMAGE” to improve decision-making by developing structural knowledge and increasing understanding of complex situations. IMAGE is tested within the context of a complex military convoy management task through (a) interactive simulations, and (b) visualization and knowledge representation capabilities. We assess the usefulness of two versions of IMAGE (desktop and immersive) compared to a baseline. Results suggest that the prosthesis helped analysts in making better decisions, but failed to increase their structural knowledge about the situation once the cognitive prosthesis is removed.

Operační umění v Armádě České republiky z pohledu účastníků kariérových kurzů pro vyšší důstojníky

The primary mission of commanders and staffs is a skillful realization of all measures related to preparation, planning, conduct and control of military operations. Ability to implement these measures originates from their professional knowledge of the theory of operational art and capability to execute it in practice. Based on a feedback from the courses participants, the authors of the article propose a set of measures which may contribute not only to improvement of the level of knowledge, skills and competences of military personal, but also to increase interest in the overall development of operational art in the Czech Armed Forces.

Контр-адмирал А.В. Колчак в планировании и осуществлении боевых операций Балтийского флота в апреле – июне 1916 г.

Контр-адмирал А.В. Колчак в планировании и осуществлении боевых операций Балтийского флота в апреле – июне 1916 г.