Title: A control theory model of deployed soldiers' morale

Authors: Michael J. Artelli, Richard F. Deckro, Daniel J. Zalewski, Sonia E. Leach, Marcus B. Perry

Addresses: Headquarters Air Combat Command (ACC/A9AM), 204 Dodd Blvd Suite 314, Langley AFB, VA 23665 2731, USA. ' Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT/EN), 2950 Hobson Way, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433 7765, USA. ' Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT/EN), 2950 Hobson Way, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433 7765, USA. ' Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT/EN), 2950 Hobson Way, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433 7765, USA. ' Department of Information Systems, Statistics and Management Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA

Abstract: The actions of our enemies in the global war on terrorism indicated one of their principle targets is our morale and fighting spirit. This study provides a supposition which can be implemented to model the morale of troops in combat. By investigating the troop|s morale and combat spirit, the impact to their combat effectiveness can be better investigated. An operational description of average morale is provided. Previous models of morale are then reviewed. A theoretical modelling framework of combat spirit is then introduced. The research concludes with an application of the modelling framework to a notional example based on US deployments into Iraq. A notional excursion based on the impact of multiple deployments is also presented.

Keywords: combat effectiveness; combat morale; control theory; morale curve; deployed soldiers; fighting spirit; modelling; multiple deployments; soldier morale.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOR.2010.029516

International Journal of Operational Research, 2010 Vol.7 No.1, pp.31 - 53

Published online: 30 Nov 2009 *

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