ISSUE 182 : Jul/Aug - 2010 - Australian Defence Force Journal

Figure 2. Chart summarising an example of the use of the OPSTSR program to rapidlyinsert new technology in-theatre(in the example, an ‘attention gaining device’ to reduce the potential for mis-identificationat checkpoints was quickly developed, built, tested and introduced into service)Other examples include a cost-benefit analysis of the various options for transportingbattlefield helicopters for routine servicing, investigation of escalation of force incidents inspecific localities, interagency cooperation case studies, planning and management of patrols,investigation of the economy of specific elements of logistics support and investigations ofsocial indicators for normalcy and stability.A useful overview (for both consumers and practitioners) of the analytical methods used indirect support of current operations is given in NATO’s ‘Joint Analysis Handbook’. 4 Underpinningsuch analyses of military operations is an extensive body of theory and practice that spans anumber of scientific fields. It is this multi-disciplinary nature of OR, in particular the impetusto integrate concepts, techniques and tools from various academic disciplines, which providesan ongoing challenge to DSTO and the wider Defence science community.62