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ASSESSING VIRTUAL REALITY HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAY-INDUCED CYBERSICKNESS IN SIMULATED MARITIME DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS
No full textThe U.S. Navy is increasingly incorporating immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMDs) for training and operational use at sea. However, the impact of shipboard motion on VR HMD-induced cybersickness remains underexplored. This study investigates whether VR HMD users experience greater cybersickness in simulated dynamic maritime environments compared to static, land-based settings. A within-subjects design was used with 32 participants completing VR tasks across four conditions: a static, land-based environment and three simulated maritime conditions replicating calm, moderate, and rough sea states. Cybersickness symptoms were measured using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and physiological data including heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and galvanic skin response (GSR). Results revealed significantly greater SSQ scores and physiological arousal in dynamic, simulated shipboard conditions. These findings suggest that ship motion intensifies cybersickness symptoms, which may impact VR HMD effectiveness at sea. The study provides empirical evidence to inform U.S. Navy decisions about immersive system integration and recommends further work to develop mitigation strategies and adapt VR systems for shipboard use.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Outstanding ThesisLieutenant Junior Grade, United States Nav
MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF THE FORCE MOBILIZATION TIMELINE
Get PDFThis thesis analyzes the full-scale mobilization timeline of Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) units, with a focus on the challenges of personnel processing and equipment integration under current Marine Corps Orders (MCOs). In light of the increasing role of the reserves in crisis response and large-scale activation, this study explores policy-level frictions, particularly those related to readiness requirements and equipment shortfalls. Personnel mobilization is modeled to estimate unit-level processing times at deployment screening sites (DSS). Task durations are generated from beta distributions based on observed readiness data, and time functions are scaled using readiness-dependent exponential models. The results show that at current readiness levels, about half of the reserve units do not meet the 48-hour deployment standard. Equipment integration is addressed through a binary integer linear programming model that redistributes surplus weapons from active duty units to reserve units with documented shortfalls. Although the model significantly improves the unit deployability, the demands of several weapon systems remain unmet. This thesis offers a data-driven method for evaluating mobilization timelines, quantifying readiness gaps, and supporting future policy updates that aim to improve the readiness and responsiveness of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR).Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Captain, United States Marine Corp
Faces of NPS: Lt. Vince Vanterpool, USN
No full textFaces of NPS features interviews spotlighting the students, faculty, staff and alumni of our Nation's premier defense education and research institution
SOUTHERN SKIES, STRONGER TIES: EXPANDING U.S.–SOUTH AMERICAN MILITARY SPACE COOPERATION
No full textThis thesis explores the strategic potential for enhanced military space cooperation between the United States and three key South American nations—Brazil, Argentina, and Chile—in the context of contemporary great power competition between the United States and China. Recognizing South America’s emerging space capabilities and unique geographic advantages for space operations, this study assesses how increased cooperation could contribute to mutual security objectives, enhance U.S. space resilience, and potentially mitigate China’s growing regional influence. Through detailed case studies of each nation’s space program, the thesis identifies historical and current challenges—including institutional obstacles, policy constraints, and resource limitations—that have impeded development and deeper collaboration. It argues that the U.S. military can significantly bolster these partnerships by shifting from short-term capability-building to sustained institutional capacity-building, thus fostering autonomous and more resilient regional partners. Additionally, the study recommends reevaluating restrictive U.S. policies to better accommodate the needs and aspirations of South American space programs. Ultimately, the thesis concludes that a strategic U.S. engagement approach tailored to individual national priorities can establish stronger and more lasting ties, thus securing a U.S. and allied competitive advantage in the increasingly contested space domain versus China.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, United States Marine Corp
JOINT AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILE VERSUS HELICOPTER LAUNCHED, FIRE AND FORGET MISSILE
No full textThis capstone project conducts a comprehensive comparison between the modern Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) and the legacy Helicopter Launched, Fire and Forget Missile (HELLFIRE) system to evaluate operational performance and cost-effectiveness. This research used a systems engineering approach and a simulation model in ExtendSim to assess key performance indicators—accuracy, target acquisition, environmental resilience, range, and multi-target engagement—from rotary-wing aircraft platforms in a hypothetical Indo-Pacific scenario. Findings show that the 8k JAGM outperforms the HELLFIRE missile in adverse weather conditions, achieving higher accuracy. The 16k JAGM, with the electromechanical control actuator system (EMCAS), exhibits even greater effectiveness, leveraging its extended range to excel especially in complex environments. However, cost-benefit analysis shows that 8k JAGM is not a cost effective one for one replacement for HELLFIRE, as HELLFIRE performs adequately in most scenarios. Conversely, 16k JAGM’s operational advantages do justify investment, particularly in high-threat, challenging conditions. The research findings support a strategic recommendation for a mixed inventory approach, deploying HELLFIRE in favorable conditions and JAGM in adverse scenarios optimizing mission efficiency and resource use. Funding the EMCAS upgrade for 16k JAGM is also recommended especially to enhance standoff capability which is critical for near-peer conflict.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, United States ArmyMajor, United States ArmyCaptain, United States Arm
ALLOCATION OF UCAV ASSETS AGAINST ENEMY TARGETS AND INTERCEPTORS
No full textA friendly force has a set number of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) that are tasked to kill enemy targets. Simultaneously, these UCAVs are being engaged by enemy interceptors. To mitigate this, some UCAVs may engage the interceptors instead of the targets. How should the UCAVs be effectively split between firing at targets vs interceptors? Each engagement (UCAV against target, UCAV against interceptor, interceptor against UCAV) have different detection/kill capabilities, and targets are able to disappear as the battle progresses. Modern conflicts like Ukraine against Russia and Israel against Hamas have included a heightened use of UCAVs. This comes from new technological advancements, cheaper manufacturing processes, etc. However, the ability to effectively use these new resources has not evolved. This thesis explores optimal allocations under different policies of engagement and the reasonings behind them. We find that in the vast majority of cases, it is optimal for UCAVs to stick together, meaning either all attacking targets or all attacking interceptors. Increased coordination and communication as well as split optimal allocations can increase the expected number of kills, but only marginally. Imperfect battle damage assessment can considerably decrease expected kills, up to 20% in some cases. Lastly, we identify a heuristic that decision-makers can use to determine UCAV allocation without fully solving the model, which can save time in large scenarios.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Ensign, United States Nav
INTRODUCING FUTURE COMMANDERS TO INFORMATION IN MARINE CORPS OPERATIONS THROUGH WARGAMING
No full textIncludes Supplementary MaterialThe Marine Corps does not have a formal, standardized practical application to augment classical instruction on information in Marine Corps operations that can effectively evaluate related student comprehension. This research developed a wargame experience for Marine Corps University’s Command and Staff College Distance Education Program by developing an expansion to the Expeditionary Warfare School Distance Education Program’s “Crisis in the Caribbean” scenario written for Sebastian Bae’s Littoral Commander: Indo-Pacific wargame. This thesis, using exploratory research and the laws of learning, designed the engaging and immersive Information in Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations Wargame with mechanisms to evaluate student comprehension. The wargame underwent four playtests, each concluding with a focus group style after action review, to identify and correct gaps and shortcomings in the game design. By adopting this new wargaming experience into the curriculum, every future commander can receive a baseline understanding of the doctrine introduced in Information in Marine Corps Operations (MCWP 8-10) with practical application experience in a controlled training environment in order to better understand specialized information capabilities and their associated doctrine and planning considerations.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, United States Marine Corp
BRAZIL’S SOFT-POWER AND NAVAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
No full textBrazil has been committed to building its prestige, soft-power, and investing in development to be seen as an independent actor on the world stage that deserves to be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. President Lula and the Brazilian Workers Party (PT Party) of Brazil have largely guided these efforts from 2004 to the present (2025). Brazil has not only worked to build up international prestige and relations within Latin America and within Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), but Brazil has also expanded its influence by seeking cooperation with other Portuguese speaking countries that border the Atlantic Ocean. Brazil’s international relations with Cabo Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, Angola, and Portugal offer insights into Brazil’s motivations for its Atlantic Ocean and Blue Amazon development. Ultimately, Brazil oversells its soft-power influence and development with Cabo Verde and Sao Tome and Principe but has a robust relationship with Angola that is driven by economic development and soft-power entanglement. Brazil’s relationship with Portugal has been historically cool but has been growing since the 2008 Great Recession. Brazil’s primary driver in its Lusophone international relations has been economic development rather than soft-power and cultural ties but markets itself as the hub of Lusophone engagement for prestige motivations.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant, United States Nav
Tactical Authentication and Authorization
No full textNPS NRP Executive SummaryThe adoption of Zero Trust principles and capabilities into deployed networks is a top priority for the military services. In order to achieve the ambitious goal of operating on a Zero Trust-based cybersecurity architecture by 2027, the Navy procured the Naval Identity Services (NIS) solution for authentication and authorization. In 2024 and 2025, the Naval Postgraduate School studied and analyzed the integration of the NIS solution in United States Marine Corps (USMC) simulated tactical network environments.Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)HQMC Information (DCI
Employment of Lightly Manned Automated Combat Capability (LMACC) in EABO Operations
Get PDFNPS NRP Executive SummaryAs the U.S. Navy (USN) moves further into automation and evolution to autonomous warships with weapons onboard, there are necessary conditions that must be met. This project explored a concept of operations (CONOPS) for the lightly manned automated combat capability (LMACC) in support of the USMC’s Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept and the Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) in first island chain operations. Additional innovations are necessary to make this into a near-term reality. First, the LMACC is a platform that is weapons and sensor enabled with a set of medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs) in a flotilla supported by resilient communications, including a 5G cloud for sensor compilation of targets, and dynamic to contextual changes in the environment. Finally, the MLR is bereft of sea-borne weapons available for naval gunfire support missions. This research examined past results of mounting a 105 mm howitzer and other gun systems that were not automated with stabilizers. The research points to near-term innovations that small civilian shipyards could implement quickly and cheaply. A master’s thesis was completed (classified), and two experiments showed that 5G communications could be extended via a low power wide area network. These studies are discussed in a final report.Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)N9 - Warfare System