Development of a test mechanism for analyzing force attrition methodologies within aggregated combat simulations

Abstract

For aggregated combat simulation models, the methods for calculating force attrition must be based upon sound mathematical formulations and parameter estimations. With an inherent lack of representative combat data for modern warfare scenarios, one effective method for determining the required parameter estimates is to thoroughly analyze the output from a stochastically based high- resolution combat model. It is this development of attrition parameters process, which so profoundly influences the validity of aggregated simulations, that lacks any comprehensive documentation or mathematical justification within the modeling community. By examining the development and validity of these processes for parameter estimation, valid attrition calibration formulae can be determined and used within force attrition algorithms in order to more precisely and justifiably model aggregated combat operations. The establishment of a user- friendly test bed for examining this attrition rate development process will play a major role in solidifying the understanding, implementation, and validation of current and future process techniques