Modeling of Canadian Forces´ northern operations and their staging

This paper summarizes modeling and simulation (M&S) performed to assist the Canadian Forces (CF) in determining their requirements for northern operations hubs. Northern operations hubs are locations that the CF may use as staging bases for operating in the Canadian Arctic and where they may decide to maintain certain operational support capabilities, including the ability to pre-position any equipment required by contingency plans. M&S provided insights into the number of hubs required to enable timely deployments to Canada´s North. Multi-criteria decision analysis was then used to identify their most advantageous locations. The analysis considered a dozen criteria related to CF operational employment and support, many of which were assessed through M&S.