Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help optimize sustainment logistics for US Army brigade combat teams, which may face challenges in transporting their assigned assets. Design/methodology/approach – This paper develops a simulation framework with an integrated integer programming optimization model. The integer-programming model optimizes sustainment outcomes of supported battalions on a daily basis, whereas the simulation framework analyzes risk associated with shortfalls that may arise over the entire duration of a conflict. Findings – This work presents a scenario reflecting the steady resupply of an infantry brigade combat team during combat operations and presents an in-depth risk analysis for possible fleet compositions. Originality/value – The risk curves obtained allow decision-makers and commanders to optimize vehicle fleet design in advance of a conflict.

The editors of this special issue on High Frequency Radar Remote Sensing gratefully acknowledge the continued support of the Office of Naval Research through grants N00014-91-J-1775 (HIRES), 92-J-1807 (REINAS), 94-1-1016 (DUCK94), 95-3-0022 (MRY BA Y), 96-1-1065 (COPE), and 97-1-0348 (SHOALING WAVES).

The article of record as published may be found at https://www.jstor.org/stable/43924791

Office of Naval Research