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

Pacific Science & Engineering Group (PSE) proposes the Tool for Effects-Based Allocation Modeling (TEAM) to address the gap in determining the impact of unit assignment on task outcome effects. The goal of this system is to inform planners on how to shape the operational courses of action (COAs) through unit assignment to better meet the mission objectives. TEAM will follow a two-step process to assign units to mission tasks and to assess the effect in the operational environment. The first step in the process will perform task-unit allocation based on an extended attribute set; not only the capability requirements of the task, but also attributes that characterize different outcomes of how the task is performed and perceived. The second step in the process will provide effects-based feedback to the COA development based on projected impacts of different unit assignments; the model will predict whether these parameters produce significant changes in performance in the operational environment and how these changes are predicted to be perceived by a local observer. The system links the characteristics of the assigned unit to the outcome effects of the operational tasks and will allow iteration between the two modules to complete effects-based planning.