This thesis is concerned with fire control prediction schemes for tanks employed in a defensive role against moving targets. The problem is considered in three parts: the determination of likely target movement patterns in an operational setting; the assessment and modelling of human operator response to those motions; and the utilisation of this response in optimal prediction schemes. In the first part the results from war games, tactical exercises and field trials are collated, and a method is devised for generating test target tracks for human operator study and prediction scheme evaluation. In the second part previous approaches to operator modelling are reviewed, laboratory experiments are described and a mathematical model of human response is developed. In the third part the general statistical properties of predictors are examined, a new class of predictive algorithm called the 'threshold' algorithm is devised, and this type of algorithm is then evaluated using the results of the previous two parts. The thesis ends with some consideration of further research requirements or possibilities, and of the steps needed to validate the results obtained so far.

This thesis describes a simulation model of fighter operations, and sets it in the context of a hierarchy of defence models. The fighter model is then applied to two problems which developed from an assessment of the contribution of sensors to the air defence of the UK. These concern the influence of raid indirect routing and sensor information accuracy on the intercept capability of fighters scrambled from ground alert. Mathematical models of these two aspects of fighter operations are also developed; this dual approach ensures that the studies are both analytically understandable and operationally acceptable. Examples are given of the number of fighters from a single base which could intercept a concentrated (point) raid against a single offset target . In the case of raid indirect routing the main variables are the angle of the incoming feint track and the warning distance. In the analysis of the effect of sensor information errors the main variables are the actual position of the raid when warning is given and the errors in raid coordinates, heading and speed due to degradation of the warning system. In both cases of indirect routing and information errors alternative scramble and control procedures are considered. The work described in this thesis is a step towards an attempt to determine the more favourable procedures which a fighter force might adopt in the face of subtle raid tactics and degraded sensor performance. It also provides an illustration of the interplay between mathematical methods and computer models in the analysis of fighter operations.

<p> The research on military families during deployments, especially in recent years, has been prolific but also, at times, contradictory. Some studies have reported increased risk while others have reported resilience. Possible reasons for the risk and resilience controversy, as well as the understudied population of overseas military families, were the subject of this study. Currently, there is no research on the experience of deployment for military families who are stationed in foreign countries. The exact number of family members is unknown; however, just under 200,000 military members serve overseas. The first research question examined the effect of duty station (continental United States, English-speaking host nation, and non-English speaking host nation) on a family member&rsquo;s ability to cope. The second research question examined the relationship of acculturation with coping. The third research question examined the relationship of perceived social support with coping. It was hypothesized that families who were stationed overseas would be less able to cope, and that those who lived in non-English speaking host nations would experience even greater difficulty coping. Acculturation and perceived social support were identified as possible mediating factors for coping. Coping was measured using Carver&rsquo;s COPE Inventory (2013) and limited to only three of the 15 subscales: positive reinterpretation and growth, use of instrumental social support, and use of emotional social support. This study used the contextual model of family stress as a theoretical framework for understanding the interplay of deployment, duty station, acculturation, and perceived social support and how they resulted in risk or resilience as measured by coping. This study was designed as descriptive survey research with convenience sampling as the main recruitment method. An electronic survey was created and data from 173 adult military family members, mostly female spouses, were used to conduct nonparametric hypotheses testing. Results from the Kruskal-Wallis test by ranks showed a non-significant effect of duty station on coping. Results from Spearman&rsquo;s rank correlation coefficient revealed a weak association among acculturation and the subscales of coping, but a moderate, positive association between coping and perceived social support. The study was limited by the small sample size and lack of homogeneity among groups. Further research on this population is supported by the lack of literature and suggestions for future studies are presented.</p><p>

<p> <b>Purpose:</b> The purpose of this descriptive, qualitative case study was to identify and describe exemplary military senior leaders&rsquo; perceived importance of emotional intelligence (EI) characteristics when leading organizational change. The study explicitly addressed the behavioral characteristics of U.S. Marine leaders associated with the EI framework for emotional competencies using Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee&rsquo;s (2002) four EI components: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management competencies. </p><p> <b>Methodology:</b> A qualitative multiple-case study method was appropriate for this research due to its focus on analyzing the 12 exemplary senior leaders&rsquo; perceived importance of EI characteristics to lead change. The qualitative instrument included an in-person or telephonic interview of eight EI questions and the collection of award artifacts. These qualitative tools helped the researcher gain insight on the perceived importance of EI competencies for exemplary senior military leaders who were affiliated with the Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California. The results of the data collection were analyzed using coding software to identify patterns and sort them into components.</p><p> <b>Findings:</b> Participants identified EI components as essential when leading an organizational change episode. Although all components were deemed important, relationship management was determined to be the most valuable EI component when describing competencies while leading change. </p><p> <b>Conclusions:</b> Senior U.S. Marine Corps leaders with high EI are perceived as effective change leaders who can positively lead an organizational change episode. Military senior leaders who foster strong relationship management skills with the competencies of influence, communication, collaboration and teamwork, conflict management, leadership, change catalyst, and building bonds are successful at leading organizational change. </p><p> <b>Recommendations:</b> The researcher recommends that senior leaders tasked with an organizational change episode focus on all four of Goleman et al.&rsquo;s (2002) EI components, but relationship management is the most critical to be an exemplary change episode leader. Military commanders and department leaders looking for positive organizational change should select senior leaders who foster relationships and have strong EI skills to lead the change episode.</p><p>

<p> This study aimed to answer the following question: What is the transformative learning process, if any, undergone by soldiers who apply for status as a conscientious objector? Answers to this question were sought through a comparative case study that involved four soldiers who while serving in the military during the Iraq War applied for status as conscientious objectors. Semi-structured interviews, documents submitted by soldiers involved in the study while in the military, archival data, and autobiographical material, both written and documented through audio-visual media, were used as data sources to inform each of these cases. </p><p> The case study methodology was selected for its exploratory capacity, as it can provide rich insight into the attitudes, beliefs and worldviews of the study&rsquo;s participants by triangulating multiple sources of data. The researcher used semi-structured interviews to elicit openness of response by the participants, allowing for a process of discovery. Data analysis involved extraction of themes and statements that represented each individual&rsquo;s thought process and experiences that contributed to his decision to apply for status as a conscientious objector. The themes and statements elicited from the study&rsquo;s subjects were then evaluated from a transformative learning theory framework as developed by Mezirow (1991) to identify the degree to which the individuals underwent a transformative learning process. </p><p> Findings of this study indicated themes extracted from narratives of the four participants that could be categorized within Mezirow&rsquo;s 10 phases of the transformative learning process. A disorienting dilemma was present within all participants&rsquo; interviews and rational discourse was the theme least reflected within the narratives. Each of the participants engaged in reflective thinking in making his decision to apply for status as a conscientious objector and then took action in submitting his application. Of interest is that each entered a period of participation in activism, which over time subsided. However, despite departure from participation in activism a change in worldview related to conflict resolution remained. Participants&rsquo; enlistments stemmed from a combination of factors including lack of employment opportunities prior to joining, family tradition, desire for structure, the desire to help others, family dynamics and a sense of patriotic duty and security within communities. </p><p> This exploratory research provided a starting point for potential future research within peace studies. Follow up inquiry may include further qualitative research into the experiences of soldiers who join the anti-war movement after completion of their term of enlistment.</p><p>

<p> Veterans returning from the recent Middle East wars report struggling with a variety of transition issues related to wartime experiences and due to the socialization they received as part of their indoctrination into military life. Many veterans experience practical and emotional adjustment challenges related to experiences common to military personnel regardless of combat exposure that may not appear for months or years after separating from the military. </p><p> Much of the existing research has focused on quantitative measures of veterans&rsquo; transition. There is a need for a greater qualitative research focus on understanding the subjective experience of coming home and what strategies veterans are using to support their return to civilian life. This study explored how veterans&rsquo; experience the return to civilian life with the goal of identifying components of an optimal transition. </p><p> Using qualitative methodology, forty veterans were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. A phenomenological orientation guided the study emphasizing the lived experience of the participants. Thematic analysis of the study data was used to identify patterns and emergent themes. Social identity theory and attachment theory were used as the framework for understanding the persistent power of indoctrination into military identity and attachment to one&rsquo;s comrades as both a source of significant loss and a potential asset to be utilized in facilitating the transition to post-military life. Using the transition criteria in the Military to Civilian Questionnaire (Sayer, et al 2011), study participants were divided into three groups based on level of functioning at the time of the interview. </p><p> The findings suggest that veterans who experience the most successful transition have connected to community providing social support and created new meaning and mission for their lives. The best functioning veterans were able to access an array of coping skills allowing them to process emotions and engage in the tasks of creating a meaningful civilian life. The study proposes a model for assessing veterans leading to a continuum of care. The study findings have important implications for collaborative programs and policy and the social work profession. Recommendations for future research are included.</p><p>

<p> Military duties are not just required of the men and women in uniform. Their families serve by their side through countless moves, school transitions, and deployments. These family members serve our country in ways most will never understand. These dependents have unique challenges imposed on them due to the military way of life. Unfortunately, despite their unwavering service to our country, they do not always receive proper care in their educational environments. The purpose of this study is to understand what efforts educators have made to support the exceptional needs of military dependents. The study&rsquo;s findings are taken from observations and interviews within two public middle schools serving military dependents.</p><p>

<p> The paper focuses on the Battle of Peleliu and how it was interpret throughout the decades following World War 2. While doing so the paper will answer the question on why the Battle was overshadowed and forgotten through history.</p><p>

<p> <b>Purpose.</b> The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of Latino chief master sergeants currently serving in the California Air National Guard as they ascended to the rank of chief master sergeant. The study offers insight for military leaders who are the key decision makers when developing diversity programs and implementing equal opportunity directives. </p><p> <b>Conceptual Framework.</b> The conceptual framework for this study was based on the concept that Latino chief master sergeants are underrepresented in key leadership positions. The experiences of Latino chief master sergeants currently serving in the California Air National Guard provided insight into why this phenomenon is occurring. </p><p> <b>Methodology.</b> Semistructured interviews were conducted with Latino chief master sergeants currently serving in the California Air National Guard. Participants serve at one of the five air wings which comprise the California Air National Guard. </p><p> <b>Findings and Conclusions.</b> Major findings of the study include supporting and promoting education at all ranks, increasing the opportunity for Latinos to serve in key leadership roles, ensuring promotions are based on job performance and merit, and supporting diversity initiatives. This study concluded that Latino chief master sergeants are key leaders in the California Air National Guard and their experiences play a significant role in the development of airmen, specifically Latino airmen. </p><p> <b>Recommendations.</b> California Air National Guard leaders should consider the experiences of Latino chief master sergeants prior to implementing changes to education, key leadership positions, promotion, and diversity initiatives. Equitable access to educational programs and developmental opportunities will ensure that all airmen, to include Latino airmen, are prepared for a successful career in the California Air National Guard.</p><p>

Abstract not available.