Operational analysis in the frontline – a progressive environment

Progress across Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH) has been measured by operational analysts since NATO's Implementation Force (IFOR) deployed in December 1995. The first studies were conducted at a very low level concentrating on the basics of survival. By the time the Stabilisation Force (SFOR) arrived in November 1996, it was clear that the OA tools would need to be dynamic, developing alongside the progress throughout BiH. Maslow's “Hierarchy of Needs” theory was used to indicate when major changes were required to the analysis and in 1997 Measures of Effectiveness were introduced. In 1998 a further step was taken with the first Six-Month Review. This is the current method for tracking progress and is an integral element of SFOR's mission. The assessment runs parallel with a Troops to Task Analysis and together they assist SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) with determining the levels of troops required within BiH. The methodology focuses on ten criteria identified by the North Atlantic Council, and is the first study to assess the level of sustainable progress achieved within BiH. This paper discusses the necessity for dynamic OA at the frontline and how measurements of progress have developed since a cease-fire was announced in December 1995.