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Chinese Responses to Non-Lethal Force in the Maritime Domain
No full textNPS NRP Executive SummarySeveral studies suggest that intermediate force capabilities (IFCs)—such as acoustic hailing devices, dazzling lasers, and vessel-stopping occlusion technologies—would enable U.S. forces to respond effectively to Chinese gray zone actions in the South China Sea. However, these suggestions rest mainly on hypotheses, logic models, and wargames set in Europe rather than evidence of actual Chinese behavior. The principal purpose of this project was to produce an empirical foundation for future studies of Chinese reactions to the use of IFCs. First, it reviewed existing datasets on Chinese gray zone actions in the South China Sea. It found that these datasets lack crucial information. Specifically, they focus on Chinese gray zone actions and neglect Chinese reactions to the responses of the countries targeted by the initial action. Moreover, data on the period since 2020 are scarce. To address these shortcomings, this study used open-source information to document the complete sequence of events—from Chinese gray zone action, to Southeast Asian non-lethal response, to Chinese reaction—in about 40 recent cases. For IFC analysts, these cases highlight two key aspects of Chinese reactions: they avoid the use of lethal weapons, but they maintain escalation control by deploying fleets that integrate military, law enforcement, and militia vessels in numbers that outmatch their rivals. To produce better estimates of Chinese reactions to IFCs, this study recommends (1) the construction of more comprehensive datasets; (2) an effort to model reactions by maritime militia and coast guard that accounts for their integration in a centralized command-and-control structure; and (3) a wargame with settings that reflect the specific conditions, actors, and escalation pathways found in the South China Sea.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 Plans, Policies & Operations (PP&O
Method for Time, Path and Location Based Encryption and Decryption
Get PDFA method of encrypted communications comprising: by the sender; generating a first symmetric key, calculating the first symmetric key based on the intended spatiotemporal identifiers; encrypting the decipherable message with the coordinates of the first symmetric key to produce an encrypted message Dm; generating a second symmetric key; encrypting the encrypted message Dm with the coordinates of the second symmetric key to produce an encrypted message Cm; receiving the public key from the receiver; calculating a point Pl and a point P2; transmitting the encrypted message Cm, point Pl, and point P2; by the receiver; transmitting the public key to the sender; determining the actual spatiotemporal identifiers; receiving the encrypted message Cm, point Pl, and point P2; calculating the second symmetric key, decrypting the encrypted message Cm asymmetrically to reproduce the encrypted message Dm; decrypting the encrypted message Dm symmetrically with the actual spatiotemporal identifiers
Capability Analysis of Ship-based UAS for Polar Operations
Get PDFWith the current emphasis on Arctic operations, this research investigates the operational capabilities of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in polar extremes. Within the context of technological advancement and capabilities assessments, the Arctic region presents complex and unique challenges which must be addressed. These challenges include radio frequency (RF) propagation, intermittent satellite communication coverage, space weather, and the limited payload of group 1-3 UAS assets. This study's goal is to inform the future of UAS technological and policy development to best utilize the UAS fleet and aid in projecting US interests in this contested region. This research and its associated report and executive summary comprises three subprojects and their subproject reports: Capability Analysis of Ship-Based UAS for Arctic Operations, Legal Analysis of Ship-Based Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Operations in the Arctic, and Security of UAS Communication Channels in the Arctic and Its Impact on Intelligence Operations, with contributing sub-report researchers LT Commander Douglas Pinheiro Mazzuco (Brazilian Navy), LT Fred Davies, LT Ron Ringwall, CWO5 Phil Desamours, CWO3 Josh Priestly, and Scott Craft.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)Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research ProgramONR Global N8/N
DIVIDE TO CONQUER: PRIORITIZATION AND SEGMENTATION IN US&R SEARCH OPERATIONS
Get PDFUrban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams regularly deploy to areas affected by large-scale disasters. The intention is for US&R teams to search the affected areas, rescue people in danger, and render aid. Determining where to conduct searches is a problem with unique variables for every incident. There is no current standardized process for creating and prioritizing search segments.This research explores how geospatial data can be leveraged to draw and prioritize search areas in wide area search operations. It examines readily available geospatial data to identify priority areas and compares those areas with information on the population and the built environment, including structures and roads, to understand the factors that help determine where search segments should be drawn.Reviewing the research data and operations of US&R teams, it becomes clear that search operations are similar to last-mile delivery logistics. This thesis treated wide area search as a delivery problem to exploit the logistical commonality. Based on this research, the Segmented Emergency Analysis for Response using Census and Hazards (SEARCH) tool has been developed to assist with drawing those segments.Ultimately, this thesis provides a ready-to-use geospatial tool to assist with search segmentation. The resulting search segments are enhanced with underlying population, structure, road, and area data to allow maximum flexibility in their use by US&R teams, depending on the incident.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Civilian, Fire Department of New Yor
AN AUDIT OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMUNITY COMMAND QUALIFICATION PROCESS METRICS
Get PDFThe Navy human resources (HR) community has command and milestone billets of critical importance, similar to their unrestricted line (URL), restricted line (RL), and Staff Corps counterparts. All candidates for these roles must be screened and qualified as “best and fully qualified” while possessing the leadership competencies necessary for success. This thesis examines the alignment of the HR Community’s command qualification process with internal and external metrics, evaluating their effectiveness and coherence. Using data from FY21–22 interviews conducted during the Navy’s piloted Leadership Assessment Program (LAP), I analyzed competencies valued by HR community subject matter experts. The findings highlight opportunities to improve the current qualification process through supplemental tools and refined assessment criteria. The analysis also explores competency similarities and differences across Department of Defense (DoD) and civilian leadership frameworks. A case study of the U.S. Army’s revision of its command qualification process, which previously relied on tools and metrics similar to those used by the Navy, offers valuable insights. Recognizing this need and leveraging from existing efforts could ensure we are indeed selecting the “best and fully qualified” in terms of performance qualifications and leadership competencies.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Commander, United States Nav
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND CIVILIAN CONTRACTING VACANCIES: A STUDY OF LABOR MARKET AND VACANCY FACTORS
Get PDFThe Department of Defense's contracting career field is integral to every United States Air Force (USAF) mission. Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) is a major command within the USAF overseeing installation and mission support. Persistent vacancies in essential civilian contracting positions, specifically the 1102 series positions, challenge operational effectiveness and workforce planning. This research builds a comprehensive data set from AFMC Headquarters at Wright-Patterson AFB and documents vacancy rates among the 1102 contracting professionals in AFMC from 2012 to 2024. It then conducts a quantitative analysis to identify potential factors that can explain the variation in the 1102 series vacancy rates. Specifically, the analysis focuses on examining the extent to which unemployment, appraisal systems, warrants and telework policies are associated with the changes in vacancy rates. Results show positions requiring an unlimited warrant have lower vacancy rates, while those under the General Selection appraisal system show higher vacancy rates than the Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project appraisal system. Telework policy changes of November 2022 did not show any evidence of significantly affecting vacancy levels. Future research can explore hiring incentives and best practices from centers with lower vacancy rates, as these approaches may reveal effective strategies for attracting and retaining talent, reducing vacancies and enhancing workforce strength.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Captain, United States Air Forc
REDUCING COMMON MODE ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE IN SINGLE-PHASE INVERTERS FOR THE NAVY INTEGRATED POWER ELECTRONICS BUILDING BLOCKS
Get PDFThis research investigates the mitigation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) in Navy integrated Power Electronics Building Blocks (NiPEBB) to comply with MIL-STD-461G conducted emissions (CE) limit while minimizing passive filter requirements. These filters reduce power density and increase system weight, making them less desirable for naval applications where space and efficiency are critical. The primary objective of this research is to build and experimentally validate a novel single-phase four-leg inverter capable of meeting MIL-STD-461G CE limits without requiring bulky EMI filters. The proposed topology extends the previously validated four-leg inverter concept from three-phase applications to single-phase systems. The inverter utilizes a voltage controller with delta modulation as the inner control loop, which is implemented on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) for high-speed digital control. The inverter legs are switched in pairs, effectively canceling out theoretical common mode voltage (CMV) to minimize EMI at the source. A hardware prototype was built and evaluated in a laboratory environment. Experimental results demonstrate that the novel single-phase four-leg inverter meets MIL-STD-461G CE limits under specific conditions with only small bypass capacitors. This research contributes to the broader goal of NiPEBBs: the development of lightweight, EMI-compliant modular power electronics for naval applications.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Outstanding ThesisLieutenant, United States Nav
A SAD STATE OF CARE: POLICY REFORM OPTIONS PROMOTING EQUITABLE HEALTHCARE ACCESS FOR NATIONAL GUARD SERVICE MEMBERS ON STATE ACTIVE DUTY
No full textNational Guard service members (NGSMs) play a critical role in disaster response, homeland security, and civil support missions, yet they face significant disparities in healthcare benefits when activated under state active duty (SAD) compared to their federally activated counterparts performing the same missions under Title 32 and Title 10. This thesis examines these inequities in healthcare and their broader implications for mission readiness, retention, and NGSM well-being. Through a comparative analysis of current policy frameworks, including TRICARE eligibility, state workers’ compensation systems, and legislative mandates, this research highlights critical gaps in healthcare provisions for NGSMs under SAD. Applying a multi-criteria decision analysis framework, the research explores five policy reform options—expanding TRICARE Reserve Select to cover SAD-status NGSMs, establishing and enforcing a federal minimum healthcare standard for state workers’ compensation programs, providing conditional TRICARE eligibility for SAD-status NGSMs, and extending TRICARE Prime to all NGSMs—to assess their feasibility, affordability, and impact on state autonomy. The findings suggest that conditional TRICARE eligibility for NGSMs under SAD represents the most viable and equitable solution, ensuring comprehensive healthcare while preserving state autonomy and control.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, United States Army National Guar
FOUND IN TRANSLATION: HOW A PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER CAN PRIME POLICE OFFICERS’ EMOTIONS THROUGH VOICE INFLECTION
No full textPublic safety dispatchers serve as the critical link between emergency callers and law enforcement. However, their voice prosody, including tone, pitch, and speech rate, may unconsciously prime officers’ emotions. This study examines how a dispatcher’s vocal delivery impacts an officer’s stress response, perceived urgency, and situational awareness during high-priority calls. Findings suggest a heightened voice inflection can escalate officer stress and urgency, while a monotone voice may downplay threat perception and alter tactical response. Despite the significance of these findings, dispatcher training often lacks guidance on prosodic control, focusing instead on information accuracy and word choice. Dispatchers do not just relay facts; they are emotional regulators and the first layer of stability in moments of crisis. This thesis recommends integrating prosody-focused training into national dispatcher standards to enhance communication effectiveness with intentional vocal modulation as a communication tool. Future research should explore cross-disciplinary studies on voice modulation in crisis communication, AI-supported vocal analysis tools, and further investigate prosody-focused training results. By acknowledging the emotional and operational influence of dispatcher communication, we can improve response, reduce unnecessary escalation, and support the well-being of public safety professionals.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Civilian, Springfield-Greene County 91
