A Prototype Decision Support Tool for Engineer Countermobility Planning
Abstract
This thesis proposes and demonstrates a method for determining the effect of combat engineer countermobility missions on an enemy's ability to manuever on the battlefield. The method combines implicit mobility modeling and existing digital terrain data to represent a movement area in the Federal Republic of Germany. An artificial intelligence technique, A* Search, is used to determine avenues of approach. The effects of obstacle emplacement on those approaches is quantified by both the time delay incurred and the effect on movement paths. The method is demonstrated in a computer based, menu driven decision support tool written in Turbo Pascal. The prototype provides the user with graphical screens displaying elevation, terrain types, limiting speeds and avenues of approach in the study area. The user can select and place engineer obstacles on the avenues of approach and immediately see their effects on movement paths and times. The program can be used to evaluate different obstacle systems and channelization or delay plans. Keywords; Countermobility; Army operations; Combat engineering; Tactical analysis; Airland battle doctrine; Computer programs. Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA203175
Entities
People
- Cynthia E. Staley
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology