Supporting Marine Corps Enhanced Company Operations : a quantitative analysis

Abstract

This research explores the capability requirements for the employment of a Marine Rifle Company organized to conduct Enhanced Company Operations (ECO). It uses a simulation model, built in an agent-based simulation tool called MANA, to evaluate the logistical impact of ECO on a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). ECO involves reorganizing and augmenting the traditional rifle company in a manner that contributes to "enhanced" command and control, intelligence, logistics, and fires capabilities. The end state is to develop the company's ability to become the base maneuver element of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, a role traditionally held by the infantry battalion. This research used a robust design of experiments method called the Nearly Orthogonal Latin Hypercube to vary a set of design factors in an efficient manner, culminating in over 5,460 simulated missions. Statistical results indicate that it is possible to support an enhanced company with current MEU assets, and that resupply responsiveness is more important than the unit's distance to the seabase. This research also confirms the validity of investing in the MV-22, due to the increased capabilities it brings to the MEU commander.