A Discussion of Land Combat Models: Their Characteristics and a Methodology for Illuminating Their Attributes; RDA-TR-5902-005

Various paginations (approximately 140 pages, including fold-out). Stamp on front cover. Figure. Tables. Appendices. Footnotes. References. Ink notation (including c.7--inferred as copy 7) on front cover. Cover has some wear and soiling. Models explored included: COMBAT II, DWEEPS, JEREMIAH, LULEJIAN I, and L&A Tac Nuc. This report presents the results of work undertaken for the Defense Nuclear Agency and for the International Security Affairs Division of Department of Energy to identify and describe land combat simulation models applicable for evaluating the use of tactical nuclear weapons. Part I of the report discusses the primary kinds of land combat models that have been developed, analyses of mixed conventional and tactical nuclear combat, and describes three specific models which are appropriate for such studies. Part II of the report develops a generalized methodology for describing, in a concise and convenient format, the basic attributes, capabilities and limitations of such models. This methodology is applied to five land combat models of varying scope, including the three models selected in Part I, to illustrate its utility for delineating models and identifying their particular capabilities. Within the past few years , military analysts and planners have become increasingly concerned about the possible role of tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield. Of particular interest to them are land combat models that can be used to examine the introduction and use of tactical nuclear weapons in a medium- or high-intensity conventional conflict , such as might occur in Europe between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces. Such models could be used to perform sensitivity analyses and tradeoff options concerning the types and number of tactical nuclear weapons required to achieve particular goals, alternative employment plans , the resulting collateral damage, etc. The purpose of Part I of this report is to: 1. Review briefly the types of land combat models that have been developed to date; 2. Identify those types best suited for sensitivity and tradeoff analyses of mixed conventional and nuclear forces in land combat; 3. Select specific models appropriate for such analyses , and describe their methodologies, scope, capabilities, and applications. Presumed First Edition, First printing thus.…