Naval Postgraduate School
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FAILURE ANALYSIS OF COMPACT FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING SYSTEMS UNDER VIBRATION LOADING
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to analyze the failure of additive manufacturing systems employed at sea. Subject to the various vibration loading conditions, 3D printing systems installed aboard ships are required to maintain both precision and accuracy in being able to produce one-off parts under arduous conditions. This study uses a compact fused deposition modeling (FDM) system as a surrogate model to represent the full-scale installed 3D printing system. The printer was tested experimentally using a shaker table to excite the system at various random vibration profiles. The dynamic response of the printer was measured using accelerometers and analyzed to investigate indications of functional failure via analysis of accelerometer data correlated to equipment performance. The results show that the most reliable criterion for predicting failure for the printer is maximum velocity. Minor failures become guaranteed when any component of the 3D printer reaches a velocity of 0.658 m/s. In addition, when internal velocities reach 1.235 m/s, major failures become more common. The most common point of failure occurred with the magnetic printing plate, caused by the extruding nozzle contacting the plate. Another common failure that occurred was loose set screws and fasteners, with the most compromising being the proximity switch set screw.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Ensign, United States Nav
DISRUPTING SMALL ARMS PROLIFERATION IN WEST AFRICA: ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY IN ENHANCING REGIONAL COOPERATION STRATEGIES FOR MONITORING POROUS BORDERS
Get PDFThe illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in West Africa is a significant regional threat linked to violence and terrorism. SALW are transported from international origins or conflict-ridden nations in the Sahel region, while some are produced locally through artisanal arms manufacturing. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is addressing security challenges in the region through the Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Accra Initiative. However, these initiatives face challenges, such as a lack of coordination among member states, porous borders, and resource constraints for effective border control. In this thesis, I assess how ECOWAS can better monitor porous borders and incorporate innovative technologies as part of its strategy to combat the spread of SALW. Thematic analysis was employed to examine the qualitative data and generate findings. I recommend that ECOWAS invest in border security infrastructure with advanced technologies like integrated fixed towers, unmanned aerial vehicles, integrated command and control centers, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Adopting advanced technologies presents unique challenges. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach from ECOWAS that combines robust policy frameworks and international cooperation.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Wing Commander, Ghana Air Forc
THE “WHOLE OF GOVERNMENT” APPROACH: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PHILIPPINE COIN STRATEGY
Get PDFThis study explores the intricacies of the communist insurgency in the Philippines, the CPP-NPA-NDF. Based on contemporary social movement theory (CSMT), it examines how elements such as resource mobilization, political opportunities, and cultural framing can support or oppose insurgency. The assessment of worldwide counterinsurgency (COIN) techniques, such as Malaysia's KESBAN, Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa model, and the Bohol experience, emphasizes the significance of adopting a comprehensive whole of government (WOG) strategy. This involves the integration of socioeconomic reforms, active involvement of the people, and strategic counterinsurgency military operations, successfully addressing both the visible signs and underlying factors. The study proposes the implementation of an agenda that gives priority to governance, development, and political commitment, in addition to security measures. Furthermore, it evaluates the implementation of the WOG COIN strategy in northern Mindanao and Caraga. The goal is to determine the elements that contribute to its effectiveness and suggest ways to enhance coordination, allocation of resources, and involvement with the community. Through the utilization of knowledge gained from international experiences and theoretical frameworks, this study aims to make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of sustainable peace and development in the Philippines.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Colonel, Philippine Arm
THERAPY DOGS AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND STRESS MANAGEMENT AMONG ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS
Get PDFThe mental health and resilience of active-duty service members are critical components of military readiness and operational effectiveness. This thesis conducts a comprehensive examination of evidence from prior investigations on the potential impacts of therapy dog programs for enhancing mental health support and stress management for active-duty service members in the United States armed forces. Employing a meta-narrative review approach, this study synthesizes evidence from a carefully sampled pool of empirical studies to evaluate the quantifiable effects of therapy dogs as a complementary, non-pharmacological intervention and to catalogue the characteristics of effective therapy dog programs. The findings suggest the potential for significant positive impacts on stress reduction, emotional well-being, and social interaction, offering support for a pilot integration of therapy dog programs into the military’s mental health strategy to enhance operational readiness and support the Total Force’s resilience.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, United States Air Forc
MULTI-OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF STRIKE PACKAGES FOR INTERDICTION OF LEFT-OF-LAUNCH BALLISTIC MISSILE NETWORKS
Get PDFA new approach to ballistic missile defense (BMD) is attack operations (AO), which seek to prevent or weaken an enemy’s ability to launch missiles through interdiction of left-of-launch network (LLN) components. LLNs consist of all actions prior to missile launch and reveal an opportunity for a multi-faceted missile defense approach alongside mid-flight interception systems. We develop a notional LLN simulation model for a general activity network that significantly increases the complexity of past models with regards to interdiction arsenal variety, model logic, and output analysis utility. This thesis leverages simulation modeling and output analysis techniques to create an interactive dashboard that displays multi-objective strike assessments using Pareto frontiers. This dashboard is applied to the simulation testbed to allow the user to assess the impact of different strike options. While the simulation model and corresponding results are notional, they provide a framework for comparing cost and effectiveness of different strike options from a variety of platforms when applied to numerous potential targets.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Outstanding ThesisEnsign, United States Nav
U.S. ARMY PROTOTYPE AND PRODUCTION OTHER TRANSACTION TRENDS AND POTENTIAL FISCAL YEAR 2023 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT EFFECTS
Get PDFAmid an evolving defense landscape and the U.S. Army’s Army 2030 strategic directive, the Department of Defense (DOD) has accelerated its embrace of Other Transactions (OTs), with the Army at the forefront. Utilizing the System for Award Management (SAM) database, this study analyzes the Army’s prototype and production OT usage from Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 to FY2023, identifying key trends and major contractors. Notably, a gap has been observed in analyzing the Army’s OT engagements post-FY2020, which this study seeks to bridge. The FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) amendments to 10 U.S.C. §4022, an evolution of the previously designated 10 U.S.C. §2371b, is central to this investigation, which eliminates the previously mandated re-competition of prototype OTs as they transition to follow-on production OTs. This pivotal policy change stands to recalibrate the competitive dynamics surrounding prototype OTs, influencing the Army’s choice of partners and collaboration mechanisms. The analysis reveals a significant increase in production OTs, underscoring a strategic shift towards accelerating the fielding of innovations. A diversified vendor base is evident, reflecting an embrace of non-traditional partners. This study aligns OT trends with NDAA’s influence, highlighting a streamlined procurement strategy that anticipates agile technological advancements under Army 2030 objectives.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Captain, United States Arm
ASSESSING SAUDI ARABIA AND UNITED ARAB EMIRATES CYBER CAPABILITIES
Get PDFThis thesis analyzes the cyber capabilities of two key U.S. allies in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. They were studied to obtain information and lessons learned to assist USCENTCOM (the U.S. Central Command) with achieving its goals there. This thesis analyzed the countries’ cyber infrastructure, organizations, vulnerabilities, experience of cyberattacks, and defensive cyber capabilities. Both countries were found to have robust cyber capabilities in private and governmental organizations, though little public information was found about each country’s military cyber capabilities. USCENTCOM believes that it will take a multi-nation goal-oriented approach to deter adversaries of Saudi Arabia and UAE like Iran in cyberspace. USCENTCOM should set up cyber-specific working groups with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to discuss their past cyber incidents, and work to develop ways to protect their critical infrastructure from Iran and non-state actors. They should also discuss the Chinese and Russian influence within the region with their partners to stay aware of those threats. Finally, USCENTCOM should try to build strong regional partnerships, and these alliances should include the cyber domain to promote security and economic growth in the Middle East.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant Commander, United States Nav
THE COLLAPSE OF U.S.–RUSSIAN ARMS CONTROL: POLICY AND IDEOLOGY
Get PDFThe world is awash with change. The world that existed in the aftermath of the Cold War—one of utter and complete U.S. dominance—is no more. The world is becoming more multipolar, with China leading the rise of multiple nations that are finding an increasingly louder voice and influence on the world stage. These changed geostrategic realities have likely irreversibly damaged the efficacy of bilateral U.S.–Russian arms control agreements and strategic stability talks. Changed technological realities have changed the strategic paradigm, with offensive cyber capabilities complicating notions of strategic deterrence and stability. Given the collective sum of such rapid change, arms control must also rapidly change to meet the demands of a new era. With the right political will and policies in place from both sides, the United States and Russia could create and implement various confidence building measure (CBM) regimes across multiple domains that would begin to immediately reduce tension and bolster transparency. The new capabilities and nature of nuclear weapons also spurred the creation of new CBMs and mechanisms to prevent escalation and promote trust and transparency. It must be the same today—the great nuclear powers of the world must recognize the present risk and escalation and make the choice to proceed down the path of solutions and statecraft, rather than demagoguery and unilateral destabilizing actions.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Captain, United States Air Forc
DEFINING THE GREEN BERET PROFESSION
No full textThe United States Army Special Forces (USSF), known as the Green Berets, have historically operated with a unique identity rooted in a partnered approach to unconventional warfare (UW). However, two decades of engagement in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) led to a cultural shift toward unilateral direct action (DA) and counterterrorism missions. This capstone addresses the identity and mission drift that occurred during this period, which challenges the alignment of USSF with its foundational ethos. The study aims to develop a comprehensive framework that reinforces the Green Beret profession, ensuring their historical identity and mission align with future demands. Using historical case studies from WWII to the GWOT, the research identifies recurring mission types and core attributes from six significant periods and distills them into “The Green Beret Mission and Person (MaP),” a concise, accessible tool to define their profession and value proposition. The missions identified throughout the history of the Green Berets were guerrilla tactics, intelligence gathering, and building indigenous resistance movements. The common attributes repeated throughout history were maturity, physical fitness, adaptability, cultural attunement, and intellectual resilience. This capstone report recommends integrating the MaP into doctrine, training, and strategic communication to reinforce the Green Beret identity, ensuring their continued relevance and effectiveness in global operations.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, United States ArmyMajor, United States ArmyMajor, United States Arm
COUNTERMEASURE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHINESE INFLUENCE AT UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES
No full textChina conducts operations in the information environment against other nations’ universities to dismantle academic freedom and to advance the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) strategic narratives. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of U.S. and Australian efforts to counter Chinese influence at their universities. The study conducts a systematic review of Chinese influence cases at U.S. and Australian universities using open-source data and examines the alignment and effectiveness of each countries’ countermeasures. The analysis reveals that China uses the same organizations and tactics in both countries and that U.S. and Australian universities’ financial dependence on Chinese funds is foundational to the influence efforts. The research suggests that neither Australian nor U.S. countermeasures are optimally aligned to combat Chinese influence efforts, but that U.S. legislative countermeasures have been the most effective. The research advocates that both countries decrease their universities’ financial dependence on China’s money, increase collaboration with each other, and create university cultures that defend academic freedom. Finally, the research recommends that the United States forms a task force of government and university sector members to increase coordination in combatting influence at its universities and that the U.S. government should also pursue additional legislation to combat the Chinese influence.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, United States Air Forc