Sustain the Mission Project: Casualty Factors for Fuel and Water Resupply Convoys
Abstract
Resupply of fuel and drinking water for troops in-theater costs lives. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for calculating casualty factors for fuel and water resupply convoys in theater operations and to demonstrate the methodology based on historical data from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Casualties calculated include Army soldiers and civilians killed or wounded while transporting fuel or drinking water to consuming units and forward operating bases in theater. Casualty factors developed for the Iraq Theater were also incorporated in the Sustain the Mission Project (SMP) Decision Support Tool. Two case studies [Rapidly Installed Fluid Transfer System (RIFTS) and Thin Film Photovoltaics in Iraq] were conducted to illustrate how the casualty factors could be used in assessments of energy technologies for theater missions. This project provides a step towards analyzing potential casualties related to transporting fuel and water in theaters of operation. However, this study suggests that casualty impacts (and other operational impacts) related to using alternative energy and water technologies to sustain Army missions should be evaluated in Army combat and combat support models over a wide range of theaters and scenarios to better reflect the complex conditions and actions at the tactical and theater levels. That is, Army analysis agencies should evaluate the potential impacts, such as casualties, of different energy technologies in the battle space to include resupply convoys.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADB356341
Entities
People
- David S. Eady
- R. S. Bell
- Scott H. Dicke
- Steven B. Siegel
Organizations
- Concurrent Technologies Corporation