Optimized Tactical Route Planning
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Abstract
Tactical mission planning for the military involves at least three phases: planning, movement, and combat maneuvers. During the movement phase, military units attempt to move undetected from their current location to one much closer to their objective. Prior to movement, military commanders prepare by conducting terrain and enemy analysis to identify changes in terrain and vegetation that conceal movement. Uncertainty regarding the enemy’s location complicates the route selection challenges faced by military planners. To begin tackling this problem, we introduce a robust optimization model that finds the route a single evader can take, while minimizing the chances of being detected by a single seeker whose location is uncertain. We begin by building a movement network, then we present a nominal model before introducing uncertainty. We compare the results of the nominal and robust models. Lastly, we introduce improvements to our model which enable scaling and quicker solve times before discussing impacts and applications.