Operational Warfare Analysis (OWA) - Curriculum 355
Program Officer
Matt Geiser, CDR, USN
Code GB, Ingersoll Hall, Room 219A
(831) 656-3953, DSN 756-3953
mtgeiser1@nps.edu
Academic Associate
Kyle Lin, Ph.D.
Glasgow Hall, Room 260
(831) 656-2648, FAX (831) 656-2595
kylin@nps.edu
Brief Overview
The Operational Warfare Analysis (OWA) curriculum 355 is tailored for U. S. Navy Unrestricted Line Officers whose career paths do not permit attendance in the traditional Operations Analysis (OA) curriculum 360.
The Operations Analysis (OA) curriculum was founded by the Navy in 1951 to retain, develop, and promulgate the methods of Operations Research (OR) that were used so successfully in World War II. OR is the science of helping people and organizations make better decisions. More formally, it is the development and application of mathematical models, statistical analyses, simulations, analytical reasoning, and common sense to the understanding and improvement of real-world operations. Improvement can be measured by the minimization of cost, maximization of efficiency, or optimization of other relevant measures of effectiveness. Practitioners are called on to advise military and civilian decision makers on the allocation of scarce resources, the selection of new equipment and processes, and the optimal deployment of given resources to achieve required missions.
Mathematics, probability, statistics, and optimization supply the theoretical background for analyzing alternative choices in tactical and strategic warfare, and in planning, budgeting, and procurement of systems and forces. The student learns computational methods and develops skills to identify relevant information, formulate decision criteria, and select alternatives. This education enhances performance in all duties throughout a military career including operational billets, technical management assignments, and policy-making positions.
Requirements for Entry
The Operational Warfare Analysis (OWA) curriculum is open to Navy Unrestricted Line Officers only.
A baccalaureate degree with above-average grades is required. Completion of mathematics through single variable differential and integral calculus with above-average grades is considered minimal preparation. Students without these quantitative prerequisites will be accepted in cases where their undergraduate records indicate that they are exceptional students and there are other indicators of potential. An academic profile code (APC) of 325 is required.
Convenes
Fall, Spring
Subspecialty
Completion of this curriculum qualifies an officer as an Operations Research Analysis subspecialist with a subspecialty code of 3211P. The community manager for the Operations Research Analysis subspecialty is the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Assessment Division (OPNAV N81).
Typical Subspecialty Jobs
OPNAV Analyst
Fleet Commander Analyst
Numbered Fleet Analyst
Air, Surface, or Submarine TYCOM Analyst
Master of Operational Modeling and Analysis
The Master of Operational Modeling and Analysis degree requires:
• Completion of a minimum of 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses with:
• At least 20 quarter-hours of 4000-level courses, of which at least 16 are OA.
• An operational modeling and analysis sequence approved by the Chairman,
Department of Operations Research.
• Completion of an acceptable capstone project on a subject previously approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.
Fall or Spring start
Quarter 1 (spring/fall)
| MA1118 | Multivariable Calculus for Operations Research | | 4 | 0 |
| MA3042 | Linear Algebra | | 4 | 0 |
| OA2801 | Computational Methods for Operations Research | | 4 | 1 |
| OA3101 | Probability | | 4 | 1 |
Quarter 2 (summer/winter)
| OA3102 | Statistics | | 4 | 2 |
| OA3201 | Linear Programming | | 4 | 0 |
| OA3301 | Stochastic Models I | | 4 | 0 |
| OA3801 | Computational Methods for Operations Research II | | 3 | 1 |
Quarter 3 (spring/fall)
| OA3103 | Data Analysis | | 4 | 1 |
| OA3302 | Simulation-Modeling | | 4 | 0 |
| OA4202 | Network Flows and Graphs | | 4 | 0 |
| OS3680 | Naval Tactical Analysis | | 4 | 0 |
| OA3900 | Workshop in Operations Research/Systems Analysis | | V | 0 |
Quarter 4 (summer/winter)
Quarter 5 (spring/fall)
| OA4801 | Spreadsheet Modeling for Military Operations Research | | 3 | 2 |
| OS3082 | Systems Analysis Cases II | | 3 | 0 |
| NW3275 | Joint Maritime Operations - part 1 | | 4 | 0 |
| NW3285 | Theater Security Decision Making | | 4 | 0 |
Quarter 6 (summer/winter)
| OA3304 | Decision Theory | | 4 | 0 |
| OS4083 | Systems Analysis Cases III | | 3 | 4 |
| OA4702 | Cost Estimation | | 4 | 0 |
| NW3276 | Joint Maritime Operations - part 2 | | 2 | 2 |
Educational Skill Requirements (ESRs)
Operational Warfare Analysis - Curriculum 355
Subspecialty Code: 3211P
1. BASIC: The graduate will possess the mathematical and advanced computer programming skills required to support graduate study in operations research and have the ability to use computers to aid in analysis.
2. UNCERTAINTY AND DATA ANALYTICS: The graduate will be well versed in uncertainty fundamentals for systems analysis, including applications of probability, statistics, data analysis, modeling uncertainty and specialized models in advanced data analysis and statistical and machine learning.
3. SIMULATION: The graduate will be able to construct and utilize Monte Carlo simulations of combat and other processes that evolve in time, will be able to deal with statistical issues associated with the need for replication; and be able to use advanced methods of simulation outcome analysis.
4. TACTICAL ANALYSIS: The graduate will be able to apply operations analysis methods to tactical and operational problems including tactical decision analysis.
5. COST ANALYSIS: The graduate will understand the methods and practice of cost analysis including various cost models, with particular emphasis in the relationship of effectiveness models and measures to cost, and applications in cost-benefit analysis.
6. RISK-BENEFIT ANALYSIS: The graduate will be able to apply the principles of probabilistic risk assessment in the context of systems analysis decision problems. This includes a framework for balancing risks and benefits, and analysis under conditions of large financial and technological uncertainties.
7. OPTIMIZATION: The graduate will be able to formulate and solve a wide variety of optimization problems with particular emphasis on applications in optimum allocation of scarce resources, multi-year capital budgeting, and network analysis.
8. PRACTICE: The graduate will have gained experience in all aspects of analytical studies, including review and critique the work of others, as well as participation in the conduct of an analytical study. Review and critique to include the ability to highlight critical assumptions, recognize strengths and weaknesses of applied analytical methodologies, and evaluate study recommendations. Practice in the design and conduct of an analytical study includes the skills to formulate problems, use the analytical process to define study requirements, and apply appropriate analytical methodologies. Practice also includes demonstrating proficiency in presenting results both orally and in writing.
Curriculum Sponsor and ESR Approval Authority
The Major Area Sponsor (MAS) for the Operations Research Analysis subspecialty is Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Integration of Capabilities and Resources (OPNAV N8). The designated Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Operations Analysis curriculum is Director, Assessment Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N81). The Curriculum and ESR approval authority is Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development (OPNAV N7).