Naval Postgraduate School
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THE SEXTORTION PHENOMENON: CREATING A LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO EFFECTIVELY SAFEGUARD MINOR VICTIMS
Get PDFThis thesis studies the prevalent and complex issue of sextortion, focusing on its detrimental effects on minors. It critically analyzes how this form of exploitation, which involves blackmailing minors for sexual content, sexual activity, or money, unfolds across the digital world. The current legal framework in California, Penal Code 518(b), fails to differentiate between adult and minor victims sufficiently and does not classify sextortion as a sex crime. To test the adequacy of current laws to prosecute sextortion in California, this thesis compared two case studies involving sex offender registration/community notification and human trafficking and conducted interviews with district attorneys, defense attorneys, and law enforcement officers across California. It also explored legal frameworks from Utah, South Carolina, and New Jersey, which have enacted more targeted sextortion laws for minors. This thesis underscores the need for laws that are adaptable to technological advances, especially artificial intelligence, and that can more effectively protect vulnerable young children. The thesis concludes that a combination of legislative reform and educational initiatives is crucial for combating sextortion. This approach addresses the legal gaps and raises awareness and prevention, aiming to offer comprehensive protection and justice for minors affected by this heinous crime.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Civilian, Riverside County District Attorney's Offic
METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF OUTDOOR VISIBLE LIGHT COMMUNICATION FOR LOW-COST VEHICULAR APPLICATIONS
Get PDFVisible light communication reuses illumination fixtures to communicate, augmenting wireless communications in congested radio frequency bands. Vehicular applications could increase safety and efficiency in transportation systems but must compete with strong background noise from daylight. This dissertation investigates means to mitigate solar noise and increase the received signal-to-noise ratio for outdoor visible light communication systems using low-cost cameras and vehicle headlights. We establish a statistical model of daylight noise from empirical measurements captured across a full solar day. Various techniques to improve received signal performance are tested, including the use of spectral and polarization filters, optics, and digital processing techniques for region of interest selection and multi-receiver aggregation. We find attenuating filters help combat quantization noise in bright scenes. Polarization filtering provides selective gain by rejecting background light more than the signal. Using optics, data transmissions at 1.6 km were achieved from a car LED headlight to a smartphone camera as a receiver—four times farther than other outdoor visible light communication in the literature. Demonstrated signal-to-noise ratio enhancements allow improved performance in speed and range for all outdoor visible light communication systems being developed, supporting progress toward safer roadways, lower costs, and reduced radio frequency crowding.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Commander, United States NavyNaval Cyber Warfare Development Group, Suitland, M
ANALYSIS OF THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL IMPACTS OF HEIGHT AND WEIGHT STANDARDS ON MARINES
Get PDFThe Marine Corps currently measures body mass index using standards that date back to the middle of the 20th century, which appear to be no longer applicable to today’s service members. The current policy is influencing Marines to adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits that encourage the use of rapid weight loss techniques in order to meet these standards, which contributes to physical and mental health issues. To learn more about individual Marines’ perceptions of current policy, this study consisted of nine semi-structured interviews with the data collected analyzed to identify any common themes, feelings, and perceptions about the current Marine Corps policy regarding height and weight requirements. Given the number of interviewees, this research was a limited population sample which did not allow for a full representation of Marines based on race, gender, MOS, and other key demographic information. The main observations based on interview data points toward the Marine Corps’ re-evaluation and updating of current methods of measuring body mass index in order to allow service members to maintain healthier weights without sacrificing their physical or mental health. These changes could significantly impact the overall health and combat readiness of the fighting force and potentially improve retention rates within the Marine Corps.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Captain, United States Marine Corp
KILLING THE LIMELIGHT: ADDRESSING THE CONTAGION AND COPYCAT EFFECT AFTER A MASS SHOOTING
Get PDFThis thesis examines the impact of U.S. news media reports on mass shootings, focusing on how media may contribute to a contagion effect. Research reveals an increase in mass shooting incidents, with fame-seeking identified as a significant motive. In a democracy, the press must inform the public, yet meeting this goal could potentially inspire future mass shooters. Law enforcement also faces challenges informing the public after a mass shooting. Thus, the thesis explores how the news media and law enforcement can each address the “copycat” effect following a mass shooting. The methodology examines and analyzes three main stakeholders in mass shootings: academics, government/law enforcement, and the news media. Findings recommend that the news media adopt self-managed, responsible reporting practices, drawing lessons from studies on media contagion and reporting on suicides to minimize sensational reporting by managing images and information about the suspect. Law enforcement should be cognizant of the contagion effect and manage information release accordingly. For academics, this thesis suggests educating the public without sensationalizing the mass shooting event. Changes in news consumption habits could also reduce demand for sensational reporting. Collectively, these recommendations aim to lessen the media contagion effect and, consequently, reduce the frequency of mass shootings.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Civilian, Roseville Police Departmen
UPDATING THE REPLENISHMENT AT SEA PLANNER FOR CONTESTED ENVIRONMENTS
Get PDFReplenishment at sea (RAS) operations enable the U.S. Navy (USN) to sustain prolonged operations without the need for port calls. The Replenishment at Sea Planner (RASP) is currently employed to optimize RAS operations in stable, uncontested environments. However, in a contested environment, the availability of particular nodes (i.e., ports) in the routing network will be dynamic, constrained by security and vulnerability requirements. As the USN prepares for potential conflicts with near-peer adversaries, it must investigate the validity of traditional logistics architecture in contested domains. The purpose of this research is to determine how adversary threats and actions impact the routing of logistics vessels within a hostile environment. We analyzed the impact of introducing adversary actions into RASP by reducing the availability of replenishment assets and network routes in the model. To enhance model fidelity and versatility, we introduced a value-based objective function, timing rules, and generalized units to the RASP model. We then used RASP to conduct a comprehensive scenario analysis that focuses on identifying critical transportation nodes and arcs within the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and United States Indo-Pacific Command (PACOM) areas of responsibility. Our findings underscore the critical importance of strategic port selection and contingency planning to mitigate disruptions and sustain fleet operations in dynamic maritime environments.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Outstanding ThesisLieutenant Commander, United States NavyNIWC Pacifi
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATION IN TELEHEALTH USAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE AMONG ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS
Get PDFThe increasing reliance on telehealth for mental health care among active-duty service members highlights a pivotal shift in healthcare delivery driven by geographical disparities and the urgent need for accessible care. A detailed analysis incorporating linear probability regression models uncovers that telehealth utilization is notably higher in the Northeast and West regions, reveals a closing gap between sexes in direct care usage, and identifies service branch affiliation as a significant determinant of telehealth use. The findings highlight the dynamic changes in telehealth usage, particularly in the latter part of 2022, influenced by policy adaptations and shifting social dynamics. Recommendations include further research to evaluate the long-term impact of telehealth on military readiness and well-being, regular assessments of telehealth services to optimize effectiveness, and an investigation into the disparities between military and civilian telehealth systems to improve service delivery.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Outstanding ThesisLieutenant Commander, United States Nav
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS FOR AN EMERGING DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY AWARENESS INDEX FOR POLICY MAKERS
Get PDFRapid technological advancement, particularly artificial intelligence, poses significant challenges and opportunities for governance frameworks and requires that policy keep pace with technological evolution. This thesis introduces the emerging technology awareness index (ETAI), designed to alert policymakers to emerging technologies. The ETAI distinguishes itself through a dual analysis framework, based on the future sign framework, combining advanced quantitative methods, such as natural language processing, with qualitative insights from the social construction of technology and social identity theory. This approach enables the identification of emerging technological trends and their potential societal impacts, offering a nuanced understanding that extends beyond mere technological advancement to the interplay of societal dynamics and perceptions. Designed to capture the essence of emerging technologies through their radical novelty, rapid growth, coherence, significant potential socioeconomic impact, and inherent uncertainty, the ETAI promises a proactive, informed approach to governance in the face of rapid technological change. This thesis recommends further developing the ETAI prototype, integrating real-time data collection, and continually refining its analytical capabilities, thus ensuring its relevance and utility in guiding policy decisions amid the complexities of technological evolution.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Civilian, Milwaukee Fire Departmen
INTEGRATION OF DIGITAL TOOLS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE SERVICE ACQUISITION PROCESS
Get PDFThe Department of the Air Force (DAF) is confronted with the urgent need to adapt its service acquisition processes to the rapidly evolving landscape of information and technology. This necessitates the strategic integration of cutting-edge digital tools, presenting both challenges and opportunities. This study aims to identify the digital tools suitable for integration into the DAF service acquisition process through a systematic literature review and interviews. The findings culminate in a matrix illustrating the merging of digital tools within the DAF service acquisition process. The matrix is developed to map these tools to specific stages of the acquisition process, facilitating strategic alignment. Additionally, the study identifies and discusses the benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of digital tools. By synthesizing insights from literature and interviews, this research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges in integrating digital tools into the DAF acquisition process. It concludes with recommendations for DAF leadership to apply to current and future digital tool and service acquisition decisions.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Captain, United States Air Forc
AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED SURFACE VESSELS IN NAVAL WARFARE: SYSTEM SAFETY AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS IN CONGESTED AND LITTORAL WATERS
Get PDFThe growing desire of deploying unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in naval operations is attributed to their effectiveness demonstrated in capability development trials. However, to remove human-in-the-loop in current USV operations presents significant ethical challenges, including attributing responsibility, complying with international law, operating safely, and distinguishing non-combatants in congested and littoral straits. This thesis adds to the understanding of key enablers for small and medium-sized autonomous USV deployment with a complementary system safety approach. First, we build a notional vignette based on ethical challenges and hazards identified using system theoretic process analysis (STPA). We then measure the utility and complexity of USVs conducting autonomous launch and recovery (LAR), navigation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and firing. Using our system-level model, our analysis finds humans must retain active control when resorting to firing, exert supervisory control during navigation and ISR, and allow zero human control in LAR operations. While human operators can be the moral agents to augment artificial intelligence (AI)'s lack of emotion and reasoning, the concept of meaningful human control is central to our recommendations. We recommend additional measures such as clarity in roles and responsibilities, along with training and certification, to prevent humans from being the moral crumple zone of AI.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Military Expert 5, Republic of Singapore NavyMajor, Republic of Singapore Nav
EVALUATING DENIED AREAS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS
Get PDFThe U.S. Army’s transition from the Global War on Terror to a focus on inter-state large scale combat and the concurrent transition to the Multi Domain Operations Concept has driven the need to re-examine Special Operations Forces’ (SOF’s) role(s) in future wars. Specifically, how will SOF operate in the Extended Deep Areas, otherwise known as denied areas, and how they can better understand and assess those spaces to enable operational success? This paper examines U.S. Joint and Army doctrine, military, and surveillance technologies, as well as operational theory and force employment concepts to generate a conceptual framework for assessing and categorizing modern denied areas according to their critical elements. Inversely, a set of friendly focused, SOF specific, operational principles are proposed, which will enable room for maneuver in denied areas. These concepts have direct application for mission planning processes, training, and institutional consideration.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, United States Arm