Marine Corps analytic modeling and simulation

The Marine Corps has instituted a new mission area analysis (MAA) process to identify operational requirements and deficiencies. In the past, the MAA process was subjective and somewhat lacking in analytic rigor. The new methodology extensively employs the capabilities of models and simulations to provide quantifiable findings as the basis for the Marine Corps Combat Development Process. Prior to this effort, the on-site analytic modeling capability of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) was limited. The newly formed MAA Branch conducted a survey of existing and developing simulations, and produced a plan to rapidly expand MCCDC´s analytic tool set. An initial suite of models was selected and installed to provide insight across the functional areas of maneuver, fires, command and control, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), logistics, and force protection. The very nature of Marine expeditionary operations across the domains of land, sea, and air added to the complexity of the task. This paper discusses the evolving analytic modeling capabilities of the Marine Corps