Exploring the Effectiveness of the Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of the Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS) in support of Distributed Operations in urban terrain. The Marine Corps is evaluating the Distributed Operations concept as a solution to new threats posed in current operations. In order to employ distributed tactics, a more effective and capable Marine Rifle Squad is needed. The MERS concept seeks to increase the effectiveness of the current rifle squad, enabling smaller, more lethal, and more survivable units. Those issues are explored using agent-based modeling and data analysis. The most significant finding is that the MERS must be evaluated as a system; factors cannot be analyzed in isolation. The two factors that most affect the effectiveness are survivability and lethality. Maximizing these two factors leads to the lowest friendly casualties, highest enemy casualties, and highest probability of mission success. Agent-based modeling provides the maximum flexibility and responsiveness required for timely insights into small unit combat.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA439672

Entities

People

  • Todd M. Sanders

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agent-Based Simulations
  • Aircrafts
  • Command And Control
  • Complex Adaptive Systems
  • Data Analysis
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detection
  • Experimental Design
  • Indirect Fire
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Science
  • Operations Research
  • Training
  • United States
  • United States Naval Academy
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.