Implementation of the quantified judgment model to examine the impact of human factors on Marine Corps Distributed Operations

• Main Author: Desmond, Matthew S.
• Other Authors: Miller, Nita Lewis
• Published: Monterey California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/3310

The Distributed Operations (DO) concept is designed to answer the challenge of covert, highly adaptable, enemies operating with a dispersed command structure. The human variance that is part of military combat presents a critical challenge to the United States Marine Corps in the implementation of the DO concept. In addition to all current capabilities a DO Marine unit would have the additional capability of operating in smaller, more autonomous units, and would have greater authority to take actions in a given situation. The domains of Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and education, Personnel, Facilities (DOTMLPF) and Human Systems Integration (HSI) are areas where augmentation of current Marine Corps policy could enable Distributed Operations as a capability. This thesis presents a modified form of Dupuy's Quantified Judgment Model (QJM) (1987) called the Predictive Force Ratio Model. It is programmed in Microsoft Excel and first develops a score for a given unit based on physical characteristics pertaining to fire power, then adjusts that score through the use of factor weightings. The model is intended for use by a subject matter expert in estimating the gains that can be achieved in combat power through improvement of a force's human capabilities.