A New Methodology for Military Force Structure Analysis

Abstract

A new methodology provides military decision makers with information on the aggregate effectiveness of large-scale conventional (nonnuclear) and combined nuclear and conventional force structures against a wide range of targets. This methodology coupled a generic data base of representative targets, to which real-world targets can be mapped, with a nuclear force-exchange model that uses goal programming techniques to determine optimal allocations of weapons to targets. This methodology enabled military strategists to analyze the effectiveness of existing and proposed weapon systems against a variety of targets and to study a number of force structures constrained by proposed force reduction treaties and tight defense budgets.