The Course of Action Selection Model in Network Centric Operation

The potential battle scene against the Islamic Republic of Iran (I.R.I) is network-centric operation with Effect Based approach. One of the I.R.I capabilities in this complex battle scene is the capabilities of the cyber-electronics. One of the major challenges of planning cyber-electronic operations for confrontation in such a battle scene in the military decision-making process, is comparing and selecting courses of actions (COAs). The multiplicity, interdependencies, direct and indirect effects of the network centric operation criteria have made comparison and selection of COAs, a complex problem. In this paper, the decision model for choosing an operational solution with consideration of the complexity of the problem is presented based on hybrid methods DANP and TOPSIS. The proposed model consists of three steps.  In the first step, valid data produced by selected experts is used as data input. In the second step, data processing involves calculating an influential criteria network (which models the influence of criteria) and finding the influential weights of DANP (DEMATEL-based ANP) considering the relationships between them. The third stage of evaluation and selection is based on the level of similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS). In order to evaluate the proposed model, the real scenario of network centric operation of the US Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) from March 21 to 22, 2003 was evaluated. In this operation, the interactions between the 5th Corps command posts (180 posts) were identified as the most important criteria. The quality of force networking based on FBCB2 / BFT systems, and mission effectiveness were determined respectively as the most effective and the most influenced criteria on the battlefield. In the second step, the relative weights of the criteria were determined assigning the highest weights to agility and effectiveness and the lowest weight to the quality of information. Among the cyber-electronics solutions offered by the experts, the L-satellite Jamming and the injection of electronic malicious code, were the effective ways to confront the 5th US  Army Corps mission to capture Talil air base. The selected expert commanders declared the results of this case study as valid and satisfactory.