A movement options analysis simulation tool for the Canadian Operational Support Command

This paper provides an overview of a movement options analysis simulation tool that has been developed for the Canadian Forces. The aim of the Movement Estimator Tool (MET) is to enable movement staff to quickly compare movement plan options and determine the “best” plan. Given a list of items to be moved, specifications for the lift assets that could be utilized, and a possible line of communication, the MET uses simulation to estimate the time and cost of the move for multiple possible movement plans, and provides a graphical representation of the cost/time tradeoff region. Movement staff can then decide upon the best course of action, taking into account issues such as lift asset availability, and time and budgetary constraints. The MET is used to analyze a hypothetical redeployment of the Canadian Forces' Disaster Assistance Response Team from Haiti.