The applicability of expert systems technology to insurgent identification in a tactical military environment

Abstract

As the threat of large-scale, conventional warfare diminishes, the United States will increasingly find itself, and its military forces, involved in low intensity, insurgency, revolutionary, and guerrilla warfare as an intervening power. One especially critical aspect of counterinsurgency operations is the rapid and accurate identification of insurgents and cause- sympathetic individuals. This task is normally accomplished by an experienced and knowledgeable expert in insurgent identifications, but appears to be particularly well suited for the application of expert system technology. This thesis is concerned with examining the applicability and feasibility of using expert systems technology for the development of a computerized screening system capable of assisting in the identification of insurgent and cause-sympathetic individuals in a tactical military environment.