Impact of logistics on readiness and life cycle cost: a design of experiments approach

In this paper we develop two models that can be used to identify critical logistics factors that impact military readiness and the life cycle cost. The first one, a discrete-event simulation model, estimates the operational availability of a weapon system given input parameters under a certain scenario. The second one, a spreadsheet model, computes the life cycle cost using the same input parameters for the simulation model. Our approach is intended to serve as a basis for discussion between program offices concerned with cost and operational commands concerned with operational availability.