A decision support tool to aid campaign planners in selecting combat aircraft for theater crisis

Abstract

REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGEForm Approved OMB No. 074-0188 Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of the collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and TITLE AND SUBTITLE A DECISION SUPPORT TOOL TO AID CAMPAIGN PLANNERS IN SELECTING COMBAT AIRCRAFT FOR THEATER CRISIS AUTHOR(S)Christopher D. Buzo, 1st Lieutenant, USAF PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAMES(S) AND ADDRESS(S)Air 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 Words)One way of comparing alternative deployment plans is to examine how combat aircraft tasked within a deployment plan meet the combat commander's requirements. Both the absolute capabilities and the campaign-specific issues affecting the operational capabilities of those aircraft could assess a set of combat aircraft, unique to a deployment plan. This research develops a non-absolute, campaign-specific decision support tool to assess the effect of campaign-specific issues on a set of deployable Air Force combat aircraft.This research is conducted in three phases. Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) and Multi-Attribute Preference Theory (MAPT) methodologies are applied to inperson and telephone interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) on USAF wartime planning. The information is then consolidated to develop a Value Focused Thinking decision support tool. This tool is developed with contingency planners at the United States Air Force's Central Command Headquarters. The decision support tool is verified through a Delphi study with the previously identified SMEs.The results of this research provide campaign planners with a decision support tool to assist in selecting a set of USAF combat aircraft best suited to deploy in response to a SWA Theater crisis, based upon the current environment within the SWA Theater.14. SUBJECT TERMS Decision Making, Decision Aids, Decision Support Systems, Job Analysis, Planning, Air Logistics Support, Air Power Tables Page TABLE 1: MEASUREMENT SCALE TYPES AND DEFINITIONS 24 TABLE 2: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY PHASES 44 TABLE 3 SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF REPORT UNCLASSIFIED SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE UNCLASSIFIED SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF ABSTRACT UNCLASSIFIED NUMBER OF PAGES ABSTRACTOne way of comparing alternative deployment plans is to examine how combat aircraft tasked within a deployment plan meet the combat commander's requirements.Both the absolute capabilities and the campaign-specific issues affecting the operational capabilities of those aircraft could assess a set of combat aircraft, unique to a deployment plan. This research develops a non-absolute, campai...