English

DTIC ADA227427: Soviet Correlation of Forces and Means: Quantifying Modern Operations

This study analyzes the nature and extent of use of the Correlation of Forces and Means (COFM) in Soviet operational and tactical decision-making. It discusses the historical and military-scientific forces that compel the Soviets to use mathematical methods for solving complex battlefield problems. It details the methodology through which the Soviets likely arrive at combat potentials for armament and how these potentials are aggregated for force correlations and Soviet mathematical models and describes how both are used to support the operational commander's decision. The study concludes with an analysis of the strengths and weakness of the COFM methodology. The author finds that COFM is an effective force optimizer that also relieves the commander of many burdensome assessments during his decision process. However, COFM was also found to suffer distinct limitations and weakness. Chief among these was its inability to quantify many of the more important battle field variables that affect modern combat and operations. Keywords: Correlation of forces and means, Military decision-making; Mathematical art and science; Combat potentials.

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