The modern field of operations research (OR) arose during World War II in an effort to enhance the effectiveness of weapons and equipment used on the battlefield. Since then, OR techniques have been used to solve many sophisticated and complex security and defense-related problems in both combat operations and logistics, manpower planning, equipment procurement, training, health management, infrastructure defense, and many other areas. The global military community has fully embraced OR as a critical tool for ensuring efficiency and readiness as evidenced by the existence of permanent OR branches in many military services.

Contemporary Approaches to Military Operations Research is a comprehensive reference source that provides readers with descriptions of security and defense-related decision and planning problems and solutions incorporating a broad array of contemporary OR techniques. In particular, this book addresses and features original research and reviews on (1) innovative applications of OR techniques and methodologies in defense and (2) relevant theoretical frameworks and the latest empirical research findings in the area. This book features some important applications of mathematical modeling, multi-criteria decision-making methodologies, heuristic and metaheuristic approaches, neural network learning, data processing, and different tools utilized for solving problems related to military operations. It is ideally designed for researchers, consultants, military and civilian personnel, defense specialists, government officials, policymakers, students, academicians, scientists, and educators.