Performance-Oriented Logistics Assessment (POLA)

This Note explains how to prepare the Logistics Decision Model (LDM) for use in subsequent analysis. The study discusses two main parts of this task: calibrating the representation of combat and preparing a representation of the theater support system. Calibration involves adjusting various LDM inputs so the model behaves "correctly" in a specified reference (or calibration) case. To date, LDM is calibrated to the Concept Evaluation Model (CEM) and to its replacement, the Force Evaluation Model (FORCEM). The calibration process draws from CEM and FORCEM data files such inputs as time-phased schedules for Blue and Red forces and resources to enter the theater, comparing LDM simulation results with CEM and FORCEM outputs and then judiciously adjusting LDM inputs until they match CEM and FORCEM outputs. In building the theater support structure, LDM relies on an activity matrix — representing a resource that can be produced, consumed, or otherwise transformed by one or more activities — and a resource matrix — calculating the quantity of each resource available during each time period of an LDM simulation.