Tactical logistics and distribution systems (TLOADS) simulation

In response to changing threats from opposing forces that often result from use of enhanced technology, US forces must adopt new tactics, employing appropriately upgraded delivery equipment to deliver rations, fuel, ammunition, personnel, and repair parts to forces in forward areas. In the face of sharply reduced R&D budgets, the opportunity to explore new tactics and to test and evaluate new logistics material delivery equipment is correspondingly diminished. In addition, the evaluation of new tactics through trial maneuvers employing seagoing forces and simulated troop landings is often frustrated by noncooperative weather, the high operational expense of mounting a full-blown sea force and the typically inconclusive nature of the data collected. However, through the use of simulation, inexpensive, innovative force deployment and positioning schemes are tested. New supply distribution techniques employing a wide variety of equipment combinations both existing and experimental are also tested. The simulation output data is used to grade distribution schemes. This provides ranges of vehicle engineering data which may impact and support subsequent equipment design parameters.