Unintended Consequences: Understanding the Effects of Changing Infantry Battalion Force Structure on Force Generation with Network Optimization
Abstract
This research seeks to understand the balance between Total Force Structure changes and the ForceGeneration Process. The Marine Corps must adapt its infantry battalion force structure to maintain an advantage infuture conflicts. These changes affect not only the number of Marines but also the mix of ranks and specialtiesrequired to man deploying units. Traditionally, planners utilized mixed-integer linear programs to forecast themanpower mix to meet structural requirements. The network flow approach used in this research provides a betterand faster tool to understand how structural changes will affect the ability to man the service as a whole. Themodel utilizes manpower projections, Tables of Organization, historical deployment schedules, and mathematicaloptimization to produce solutions that maximize infantry battalion readiness while minimizing the effect on thesupporting establishment. The flexible nature of the model allows decision makers to evaluate current andproposed policy in manpower management with respect to its impact on deploying unit readiness. The increases inefficiency allow planners to quickly estimate the readiness consequences of new policy. Sensitivity analysis on allconstraints delivers insight into possible adjustments to recruiting and retention goals, unit staffing goals, anddeployment rhythm. The results of this research are both a high-level evaluation of current policy and a set ofpractical tools to assess proposed changes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1080461
Entities
People
- Christopher J. Teska
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School