Contingency basing presents a planner with numerous design decisions driven by multiple design criteria such as the number of soldiers, base permanency, base location, and other factors. The operational environment of the base is not static either; design requirements change as the mission changes. In this work, we introduce a model-based systems engineering approach to elicit design and operational needs while dealing with the design complexity of constructing a contingency base. The model includes the key facility types that can make a contingency base, interactions between facility types, and required utilities for each facility type. The model elements are kept at an abstract level so the details can be altered as required by the customer needs. Pairing the model with an external analysis tool allows for quick development and testing. Properties of the facility types can be altered either in the model or the analysis tool, and reflected in both. Using the model-based systems engineering concepts of reusability, these elements can be saved and re-used in future base designs allowing for a rapid and adaptable design process. In addition, the sharing of information visually with Object Management Group's Systems Modeling Language TM diagrams enhances the ability to collaborate with nonengineering subject matter experts within the design domain. By graphically showing the conditions and layout of the proposed contingency base, Department of Defense personnel not trained in modeling and simulation were able to interact with the engineering designs and identify gaps in the proposed architecture. C⃝ 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 18: 162-177, 2015
Solid waste management is an important engineering function at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). Due to the contingency nature of base operations and daily life at the FOB, waste generation is likely to be always higher than Continental United States (CONUS) on a per soldier basis. To improve operational effectiveness and efficiency, there is a need to gather baseline information on which to evaluate the performance of new technologies and approaches to solid waste management. To fill this data gap, the Army Study Program funded a group of studies for power, water, and waste management. This specific work characterized and quantified solid waste generation, which includes septage ("blackwater") generation, at the "per soldier" and base camp level.
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