Computational Models for Effects-based Operations in Special Forces Teams: Tool for Effects-based Allocation Modeling (TEAM)

The Tool for Effects-Based Allocation Modeling (TEAM) has been designed to address the recognized gap in the ability of planners to ascertain the impact of an individual or unit assignment on the outcome effects of mission tasks. TEAM considers factors beyond capabilities when considering individuals or units for mission tasks, including organizational and cultural attributes. These attributes are used to understand likely perceptions of outcomes of task performance by other observers in the mission environment - the local populace, the other unit or coalition members, and the adversary. TEAM is based on a three-step model to assign individuals or units to mission tasks. The first step provides confidence-rated task selection, allowing the planner to evaluate intelligence information during the process of selecting tasks. The second step provides task assignment assistance by evaluating the characteristics of potential individuals or units based on the effect their assignment is predicted to have in the operational environment. The third step identifies impacts to the mission’s organizational structure as a result of the task assignments. The information collected by TEAM is saved for replanning. Phase II will implement the TEAM tool in a web-based, collaborative environment.