An Integrating Framework for Interdisciplinary Military Analyses

Problem Statement

• In the main, acquisition programs are pursued without detailed explanation of the value added in operational context, relative to higher and lower level missions, using a standard language.
• Effectiveness analyses (e.g., requirements, wargames, test, evaluation activities) are therefore not documented in a way that clearly relates system requirements to operational necessity using approved doctrinal terms.
• Absent formal mission descriptions:
  • Material and soldier performance metrics are evaluated with incomplete knowledge of risk vs. reward trade-offs
  • Acquisition activities proceed without standard, shareable performance and effectiveness metrics
  • Specific analytic and test activities are prosecuted in isolation without the ability to integrate them holistically.
  • System-of-System analyses proceed in the absence of requisite operational “team” context obtainable only from formal operational specification.

Towards a Solution

• This requires Defense-wide framework, language, and processes common to and shared by all participants
• Establish the pieces and how they fit together
• Resolve semantics and syntax issues
• Since it’s about mission success, better start with the mission
• Objective elements [facts!] are inherently quantifiable
• Subjective elements [expert opinion!] must nevertheless be framed quantitatively