Logistics Simulation For Long Duration Logistics Wargames,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Logistics Simulation For Long Duration Logistics Wargames, Kevin R. Cardenas
Theses and Dissertations
Wargames were originally created to test wartime strategies against opposing forces within a short time frame. Due to the short duration design of these wargames, logistics were deemed irrelevant and it was incorrectly assumed that the warfighter would be logistically supported for the entire duration of the wargame. The purpose of this thesis is to provide insight to the value of capturing logistics within a wargame and to better model the increased requirement for Agile Combat Support. This research utilizes a logistics simulation tool and its outputs to conduct statistical analyses comparing a baseline scenario created to mirror the Joint …
The Efficacy Of Implementing A Small, Low-Cost, Real Time Kinematic Gps System Into A Small Unmanned Aerial System Architecture,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
The Efficacy Of Implementing A Small, Low-Cost, Real Time Kinematic Gps System Into A Small Unmanned Aerial System Architecture, Kevin J. Hendricks
Theses and Dissertations
Along with the growing uses for small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) within the Department of Defense (DoD), is the utility of small UAS within the civilian market is also increasing. This has led to significant research and development on small UAS subsystems by the commercial market. The focus of this research is characterizing and investigating the application considerations of a small, low-cost real time kinematic (RTK) GPS receiver system. Work was also accomplished to characterize the accuracy and precision of the commonly used GPS receiver subsystem in small UAS to show the increased utility of the RTK GPS system. The …
Determining Air Base Installation Capacity Through Multivariate Analysis,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Determining Air Base Installation Capacity Through Multivariate Analysis, Perry L. Cansick
Theses and Dissertations
Per the Air Force Strategic Master Plan, the Air Force will adjust their current basing structure to provide the most effective and efficient installations to support national defense objectives. The Air Force may be required to make strategic basing decisions that close installations and relocate missions to achieve an optimal basing structure. However, before making these decisions, the Air Force needs to have a comprehensive understanding of installation capacity. This research provides an operational definition of installation capacity, which is necessary for measuring installation-level, infrastructure capacity. Using this definition, the research evaluates a set of capacity indicators using principal component …
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Uav) Operators’ Workload Reduction: The Effect Of 3d Audio On Operators’ Workload And Performance During Multi-Aircraft Control,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Uav) Operators’ Workload Reduction: The Effect Of 3d Audio On Operators’ Workload And Performance During Multi-Aircraft Control, Sungbin Kim
Theses and Dissertations
The importance and number of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations are rapidly growing in both military and civilian applications. This growth has produced significant manpower issues, producing a desire that multiple aircraft are controlled by a single operator as opposed to the current model where one aircraft may require multiple operators. A potential issue is the need for an operator to monitor radio traffic for the call signs of multi-aircraft. An investigation of the use of 3D sound was undertaken to investigate whether an automatic parser, which preselected the spatial location of relevant versus irrelevant call signs, could aid UAV …
Additive Manufacturing Process Parameter Effects On The Mechanical Properties Of Fused Filament Fabrication Nylon,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Additive Manufacturing Process Parameter Effects On The Mechanical Properties Of Fused Filament Fabrication Nylon, Eric S. Holm
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to determine how varying Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process parameters affect the mechanical properties of PA6 nylon dog-bone specimens produced on the Mark One 3D Printer. A design of experiment (DOE) was conducted using the factors of layer height and raster angle orientation. The mechanical properties measured in the experiment were tensile modulus, yield stress, percent strain at yield, ultimate tensile strength and percent strain at break. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to identify which factors were statistically significant in influencing mechanical properties. Results of the ANOVA showed that layer height was …
Determination Of Fire Control Policies Via Approximate Dynamic Programming,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Determination Of Fire Control Policies Via Approximate Dynamic Programming, Michael T. Davis
Theses and Dissertations
Given the ubiquitous nature of both offensive and defensive missile systems, the catastrophe-causing potential they represent, and the limited resources available to countries for missile defense, optimizing the defensive response to a missile attack is a necessary endeavor. For a single salvo of offensive missiles launched at a set of targets, a missile defense system protecting those targets must decide how many interceptors to fire at each incoming missile. Since such missile engagements often involve the firing of more than one attack salvo, we develop a Markov decision process (MDP) model to examine the optimal fire control policy for the …
An Examination Of Economic Metrics As Indicators Of Air Force Retention,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
An Examination Of Economic Metrics As Indicators Of Air Force Retention, Helen L. Jantscher
Theses and Dissertations
Fluctuations in the economy can cause military recruitment and retention plans to go awry. By focusing on various economic metrics, it is possible to anticipate changes in retention rates for specific Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). To address the challenge of maintaining a robust and mission capable Air Force, a correlation analysis is employed to determine the relationship between certain economic indicators and AFSC retention rates. As one might suspect, retention rates follow the trend of decreasing when the economy is strong. Of interest, we found two AFSCs which go against this trend. Namely, the retention rates for officers in …
Epidemiology, Cost, And Aircraft Choice For Aeromedical Evacuation In Africom,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Epidemiology, Cost, And Aircraft Choice For Aeromedical Evacuation In Africom, Daniel A. Griffith
Theses and Dissertations
A significant shortfall exists in the medical capability provided to US Service members deployed to the African Area of Responsibility because of unknown epidemiology, large distances, limited resources, and high patient movement cost. The first step in closing this gap is to understand the types, demographics, diagnoses, and distribution of the patients requiring aeromedical evacuation. This research examined the DoD’s aeromedical evacuation missions from Africa between 2010 and 2014. Of the 274 patients and 170 missions identified from available data, a gap is evident in aeromedical evacuation capability with over 23% of Priority patients and almost 10% of Urgent patients …
Contingency Workload Demand Forecast Techniques For Cargo And Flying Hours,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Contingency Workload Demand Forecast Techniques For Cargo And Flying Hours, Calvin J. Bradshaw Iii
Theses and Dissertations
Accurate forecasting of contingency workload demand for USTRANSCOM (USTC) is a herculean effort. Transportation Working Capital Fund (TWCF) managers rely on various subject matters outside and within the combatant command to estimate future workload. Since rates are set annually, when TWCF activities use incorrect or incomplete projections of workload, this leads to erroneous price structures and misaligned customer billing rates. The USTC leadership lacks the ability to accurately forecast workload demand, which is a key driver for service provider rate-setting. As a result, some customers perceive spiked rates and seek service from other competitors, which generates lost revenue, customer dissatisfaction …
Modeling And Economy’S Dynamics And External Influences Through A System Of Differential Equations,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Modeling And Economy’S Dynamics And External Influences Through A System Of Differential Equations, Thomas M. Dickey
Theses and Dissertations
This research proposes a methodology to develop models for the greater understanding of the application of the economic instrument of national power through a selection of factors that define the economic condition of a country. The major components of an economy are identified as GDP per capita, a treasury bond yield, and a major stock market index. The components have interconnected dynamics along with external influences from the United Stated Federal Funds Rate and foreign direct investment. These connections are considered through a metamodel in the form of a system of differential equations which is solved as an inverse problem. …
The Impact Of Reducing Full Time Support Positions In The U.S. Army National Guard And Reserves,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
The Impact Of Reducing Full Time Support Positions In The U.S. Army National Guard And Reserves, Lucas J. Lease
Theses and Dissertations
The United States Army is at a point in its history in which it, along with the other branches of the military, are experiencing cuts, constraints and a tightening of resources. The days of seemingly large budgets, abundant financial resources and high amounts of manpower are becoming a thing of the past. As the government reduces the allocations to the military, it is examining ways to reduce costs and improve its financial prospects. One of the positions examined for reduction or outright elimination is the full time support position in the U.S. Army National Guard (ARNG) and Reserves (USAR). The …
A Response Surface Validation Of A Quantum Key Distribution Model,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
A Response Surface Validation Of A Quantum Key Distribution Model, Jacob M. Ehrlich
Theses and Dissertations
The need for secure communication in the presence of an adversary introduced the field of cryptology -- the practice and study of techniques for secure communication. A common method to secure communication is to distribute a secret key among authorized parties so they can encrypt and decrypt messages between each other. By doing so, ideally, any messages intercepted by a third party are meaningless. An innovative technique to distribute a shared key is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). QKD uses laws of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute such keys. The purpose of this thesis is to validate an existing mathematical …
Rate Setting Analysis: A Statistical Approach To Outlier Analysis In The Rate Setting Process Within The United States Transportation Command,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Rate Setting Analysis: A Statistical Approach To Outlier Analysis In The Rate Setting Process Within The United States Transportation Command, Warren B. Mcgriff
Theses and Dissertations
The rate setting process implemented by the USTRANSCOM J8 Program Analysis & Financial Management Directorate (USTC J8 or TCJ8) is of importance, as accurate rates yield proper and equitable recoupment of costs from customers and ensure USTC can achieve an accurate Net Operating Result (NOR) in each given year. This research sought to identify areas in which the current rate setting methodology can be improved. We initially examined the use of six months of historical cost data versus a full year of data to set rates, concluding that there is not a statistically significant difference with respect to their relative …
Using Multiple Objective Decision Analysis To Position Federal Product And Service Codes Within The Kraljic Portfolio Matrix,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Using Multiple Objective Decision Analysis To Position Federal Product And Service Codes Within The Kraljic Portfolio Matrix, Robert T. Montgomery
Theses and Dissertations
Despite the best efforts of the Federal Government to implement strategic sourcing, recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports highlight major procurement deficiencies and encourage the use of commercial best practices to identify and reap substantial savings. The Kraljic Portfolio Matrix (KPM) is considered the premier tool for purchasing organizations to determine which commercial best practices to utilize for different categories of spend. However, critics of the KPM point to its lack of analytical rigor and the absence of a simplistic quantitative methodology for implementation. The Air Force Installation Contracting Agency (AFICA), the centralized procurement arm for 79 USAF installations worldwide, …
Sortie Generation Simulation Of A Fighter Squadron,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Sortie Generation Simulation Of A Fighter Squadron, Abdurrahman Sevimli
Theses and Dissertations
The Turkish Air Force utilizes several fighter squadrons to enhance its military capabilities. One of the most critical challenges for these squadrons is generating sorties to meet the currency and demand during both peacetime and wartime. This sortie generation process directly affects the success of both training and operations. In this study, this process is assessed using a discrete event simulation. Air Force decision makers require a simulation tool to conduct “what-if” analysis on how potential changes in the environment affect an F-16 fighter squadron’s sortie generation process. Creating a usable simulation provides decision makers with a flexible tool to …
Overhaul Facility Planning And Control Tool Selection And Implementation Analysis,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Overhaul Facility Planning And Control Tool Selection And Implementation Analysis, Santiago L. Martin
Theses and Dissertations
The Argentine Air Force Materiel General Directorate (AAFMGD) has initiated an effort to assure logistical support and to gradually increase the productivity and efficiency of related processes. Within the efforts of increased productivity and efficiency over the AAF Overhauling Facilities, the Planning and Control Departments (PCD) became targets for improvements. These departments are tasked with providing the best certainty and visibility of all assets within their facilities to feed the logistics pipeline, and better support air operations. This thesis, sponsored by the MGD, is focused on achieving improvements in the PCD processes, through an academically rigorous evaluation of confounding factors …
Long-Term Impacts Of Military Drawdown On The Industrial Base,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Long-Term Impacts Of Military Drawdown On The Industrial Base, Anton H. Martyn
Theses and Dissertations
Since World War II, competition in the defense industry has fallen by over 90 percent. Over half of contracts currently executed by the United States Navy and Air Force are awarded without any competition. With the recent defense budget cuts, and an extended period of reduced defense spending ahead, more of which is going to sustainment and overhead than ever before, each year prime contractors are fighting over an even smaller piece of the procurement pie, which could have a deleterious effect on national security if these contractors go out of business or further consolidate through mergers. This study used …
Methods To Address Extreme Class Imbalance In Machine Learning Based Network Intrusion Detection Systems,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Methods To Address Extreme Class Imbalance In Machine Learning Based Network Intrusion Detection Systems, Russell W. Walter
Theses and Dissertations
Despite the considerable academic interest in using machine learning methods to detect cyber attacks and malicious network traffic, there is little evidence that modern organizations employ such systems. Due to the targeted nature of attacks and cybercriminals’ constantly changing behavior, valid observations of attack traffic suitable for training a classifier are extremely rare. Rare positive cases combined with the fact that the overwhelming majority of network traffic is benign create an extreme class imbalance problem. Using publically available datasets, this research examines the class imbalance problem by using small samples of the attack observations to create multiple training sets that …
Optimizing Forecasting Methods For Ustranscom Railcar Demands,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Optimizing Forecasting Methods For Ustranscom Railcar Demands, James M. Park
Theses and Dissertations
The United States military heavily relies on rail freight operations to meet many of its logistical needs during both peacetime and wartime efforts. As the head organization responsible for managing and overseeing all modes of military transportation, United States Transportation Command depends on timely accurate railcar demand forecasts to drive critical decisions on distribution and placement of railcar assets. However, the intermittent nature of railcar demands based on location and commodity make it a challenging task for forecasters. Furthermore, these “lumpy” demands often come without any obvious trends or seasonality. This study explores the utility of both traditional forecasting methods …
Determining The Degree Of The Routinization Of Additive Manufacturing In The Air Logistics Complexes,
2016
Air Force Institute of Technology
Determining The Degree Of The Routinization Of Additive Manufacturing In The Air Logistics Complexes, Candis A. Woods
Theses and Dissertations
Fiscal constraints have affected the USAF’s spending and sustainment of weapons systems that are being utilized beyond their programmed life cycle; therefore, it is imperative that processes be given the critical eye for improvement, innovative approaches, and/or best practice implementation. The AFSC, part of the AFMC, has embarked on a groundbreaking effort to transform operations and leverage industry best practices, while maintaining focus on warfighter support to create “The AFSC Way.” The AFSC Way is based on a shared leadership model that emphasizes speed, safety, and quality, which gives way to innovative ideas and new technologies in order to achieve …
