Net assessment: an examination of the process

Abstract

Net Assessment is a systematic method of analysis that fulfills the need for an indirect decision support system and provides a major input to the strategic planning/management system in the Department of Defense. Through an established process of appraising two or more competitors as objectively as humanly possible, an analyst is guided to examine factors normally overlooked. Asymmetries that exist among competitors and the ability of a competitor to achieve its objectives in various conflicts are examples of some of these factors. The net assessment process, useful applications of net assessment, and attempts to improve analysis are addressed in this thesis. These areas are examined to evaluate the effectiveness of net assessment as method of analysis applicable to forecasting and policy modification. Keywords: Rand strategy assessment system (RSAS), Strategic nuclear balance, Intelligence