Complexity of warfare command, communication and control systems simplified: Optimal resource partitioning via Lanchester equations

Abstract

An optimum resource partition decision model for a class of warfare command systems in conflicts of two opponents, where the total forces of operational side is not superior to the forces of enemy side, on the grounds of Lanchester square law equations has been developed. The issue on how to solve the maximum residual strength of the operational side against the enemy is thoroughly addressed. The feasible military principle of concentrating the whole superior forces on a definite objective to attack the enemy is analyzed quantitatively and the optimal solutions are obtained. The computation results for the illustrative example based on data of famous victory of Admiral Nelson at Trafalgar naval battle demonstrate both feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methodology. It is thus believed that present research results may provide a theoretical platform for warfare command and decision making analysis.