A Linear Programming Approach for Determining Travel Cost Minimizing Ecss Training Locations

The number of deaths in OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) is significantly higher than expected, due mostly to the persistent use of increasingly sophisticated IEDs in the Iraq Theater of Operations. Iraq has a large number of hardtop roads that US forces use constantly for convoy resupply to various units throughout the country. This paper will examine the various approaches used by US Central Command (CENTCOM) to reduce the number of casualties incurred during convoy operations in Iraq. US military leaders recognized the issue of convoy security early, but it took a full spectrum effort using ground, air and organizational components to attack the problem of convoy mitigation successfully. Ground mitigation efforts focused on equipment and tactics for units participating in convoy operations. Air mitigation contributed airlift to help remove convoy vehicles and personnel from the roads of Iraq.