Use of the amphibious warfare model to evaluate the cost effectiveness of alternative Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicles

The Marine Corps’ current amphibious vehicle will reach the end of its service life around the turn of the century. Therefore, the Marines are planning the design and development of a replacement, designated the Advanced Amphibious Assault system. This article describes the methodology and results of a cost and effectiveness analysis performance to support a milestone decision in this program. The analysis first examined the performance of the alternative systems, and then evaluated the overall effectiveness of forces equipped with the alternative systems. The force effectiveness was accomplished using a dynamic, two-sided, air-land-naval warfare model known as the amphibious warfare model.