"An Integer Programming Model to Optimize US Army Deployment Cycle and " by Grant R. Engel

Date of Award

3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Operations Research

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Nicholas T. Boardman, PhD

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to determine an optimal cycle length, in months, that minimizes costs and maximizes availability for deploying units in the United States (US) Army. The US Army must be cost efficient while maintaining the flexibility required to adapt to dynamic mission demand. The current practice is to deploy units for a length between the range of 6 to 12 months; however, this varies from unit to unit and the best policy is not clear. We address these issues by forming a mathematical programming model with unique characteristics that distinguish it from others of similar design. These characteristics include meeting monthly demand, handling deployment requirements, minimizing cost, and responding to crises. Current results indicate that shorter deployment lengths have the best expected objective function value. Additionally, we include a supplemental model that reschedules unit deployments in response to a “crisis” event. Tests of the supplemental model indicate a mixed ability respond to such demand surges, but with additional units the model can re-optimize and meet all demands. The US Army can employ these results by applying specific mission demand and unit data to inform decisions relating to efficient deployment scheduling.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-MS-24-M-078

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.

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