Formalizing the Optimization Problem in Long-Term Capability Planning

In defining future force capabilities, decision makers need to balance objectives, strategy, force capabilities, and risk within a forecasted force development environment and resource levels. This is commonly a task in long-term defense and force planning. This paper presents a mathematical formalization of the planning problem that involves static and dynamic optimization. Several static and dynamic discrete optimization models illustrate the approach. The concluding section presents a short deliberation on applicability.