Simulation and analysis of ammunition transport capability in support of a combat unit

Abstract

This thesis presents a simulation of the combat support mission of a Support Platoon, the organic transport element of a U.S. Army Tank Battalion. The model utilizes Monte Carlo techniques to determine ammunition hauling capability as a function of maintenance and vehicles lost due to enemy action. These factors are parametrically varied with vehicle replacement times, alternative numbers of task vehicles, and the number of round trips per day. Plausible input parameters are selected and discussed and output is statistically evaluated by Analysis of Variance and Mean Value Differential Analysis computer programs. The effects of the main factors are presented by graphical displays based on the latter program. A scenario is constructed to describe operational concepts in a combat zone and to develop a regression model. Potential uses of this simulation and a discussion of the overall modelling technique are discussed.