Applying a Model-Based Systems Engineering Methodology to Improve Expeditionary and Operational Reach for Marine Corps Forces

Abstract

The Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Strategy and Implementation Plan clearly identifies the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ (CMC’s) commitment to meeting the DoD mandate to reduce its dependence upon fossil fuels in the planning and execution of Marine Corps missions. Currently, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC) has no capability to model various deployment scenarios and perform trade-off analysis based upon a combination of factors to include: combat power delivered (as a function of unit composition), mission type, expediency of forces arriving in the Area of Operations (AO) (i.e. time to arrive on station in a combat-ready state), and fuel consumption. MARFORPAC requires a capability to adjust model parameters in order to determine the trade space for achieving sufficient combat power for the specified mission, in an expeditious timeframe, while minimizing fuel consumption. A primary consideration for expeditionary deployments for MARFORPAC is the potential for an extremely large AO, resulting in very long distances required to deploy necessary forces. The focus of this effort is to address MARFORPAC expeditionary capabilities over what are potentially very great distances, determine if there are current capability gaps, and assess a variety of solutions to bridge that gap. Additionally, we plan to examine energy needs for these solutions, and to do so within the context of the development of several relevant and distinct, but related, missions and scenarios. A complementary project (also a Masters capstone project conducted by Marine civilians and active duty students) is being conducted concurrently and is being advised by the same PI, and is sponsored by the Expeditionary Energy Office (E2O). The director of E2O is serving as a very active stakeholder in this MARFORPAC project as well.