Using Discrete Event Simulation to Examine Marine Training at the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School

Abstract

This paper presents a discrete-event simulation model used to explore various possibilities for improving the training continuum at the Marine Corps Communication- Electronics School. The goal of the analysis is to reduce the average waiting time experienced by Marines as they wait for their formal training to commence. Results show that the implementation of even the least beneficial of these improvements yields a 37 percent reduction in waiting time. The best single change yields an 82 percent reduction. This translates into a 30 day reduction in average waiting time per Marine. If all improvements were implemented, a reduction of 88 percent could be achieved, bringing the average waiting time per Marine down to less than 5 days.