Fire Support Requirements Methodology Study, Phase 2 Proceedings of the Fire Support Methodology Workshop

The U.S. Marine Corps initiated a multi-phased Fire Support Requirements Methodology Study(FSRMS) to improve the utility of their studies in support of decisions allocating resources to alternative mixes of future fire support weapon systems. Along with a review of existing models and techniques, a Fire support Methodology Workshop was sponsored at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, August 4-7, 1975. The Workshop brought together experts in methodology and fire support analysts to consider new techniques and the program of future development of fire support studies. This document records the proceedings of the Workshop. Alternatives to simulation such as gaming and mathematical programming were discussed, as were the problems of modeling dynamic target designation processes, the functions of command and the effects of suppressive fires. The need for further methodological research was highlighted but a cautious approach to the immediate application of advanced methods was suggested. A hierarchy of simpler models in keeping with the validity of available inputs was recommended along with a reappraisal of what models can realistically be expected to contribute to decision making at senior staff levels.